Spanish

4th Form (Year 9)

All pupils in Year 9 learn Spanish and follow the ¡Mira! Express coursebook, which offers an excellent introduction to the language. The progress of students is carefully monitored by regular vocabulary tests and assessments in order to track the students in each of the key language areas - Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

Fifth Form (Year 10 & 11)

GCSE Course

In years 10 and 11 students follow the Nelson Thornes course.  Teaching is in mixed ability sets, all of whom progress to GCSE at the end of year 11. We take the AQA examination at GCSE level, which requires 4 controlled assessments on subjects covered during the course, such as School, Holidays, Family and the Environment. These assessments are worth 60% of the GCSE and are comprosed of two 350 word written tasks and two orals of 4-6 minutes, conducted as a dialogue.

Year 10

During the initial year of GCSE study the pupils develop their grammatical skills and broaden their range of vocabulary knowledge. The topics studied are Healthy Living, Poverty and Wealth, Free Time, Holidays and Home and Family. At the end of the year the pupils undertake their first written controlled assessment.

Year 11

The second and final year of GCSE study builds on the knowledge of the previosu year's work, addding greater depth and breadth to both grammar and vocabulary knowledge. The pupils study the Environment, Employment and School. Over the course of the first two terms the pupils complete the remaining three controlled assessments.

Trips

Many of those taking Spanish will take part in one of the trips on offer. A large percentage of the Fourth Form go on a weekend trip to Madrid, whilst those studying for GCSE and A level will be invited to take part in a study trip to Salamanca to practise their language skills and increase their knowledge of Spanish culture. Both the trips offer real engagement with Spanish culture and are renowned amongst the pupils for being both fun and educationally valuable.