GCSE Spanish

Overview

Spanish is spoken over the five continents, there are over 400 million people who speak Spanish in the world and 700,000 British people have decided to make Spain their home. It is the official language in 21 countries and is a phonetic language which makes it easier to learn!

Knowledge of a foreign language is a great advantage in all professions and our aim is to develop the student’s ability to communicate with and to understand people who do not speak their language and to develop their independence in learning by using the target language. We also make them aware of the differences within the culture and costumes of Spanish speaking countries.

How do we do that?

  • We work with authentic materials
  • We communicate with native speakers
  • We consider and compare the different cultures

How do we get there?

  • We communicate in Spanish in pairs and groups
  • We use a range of resources: Listos (textbook), magazines, whiteboards, tapes and CDs, ICT
  • We produce and respond to different types of spoken and written language
  • We use Spanish creatively and imaginatively

Gaining the qualifications requires:

  • Long-term commitment
  • The acquisition and application of language skills
  • Attention to detail
  • The ability to memorise vocabulary
  • Communication skills
  • Willingness to take risks
  • Interest in other cultures

Assessment of work

The new specification gives more flexibility to the students with regard to examinations. Both the Speaking and the Writing components are now Controlled Assessments which are completed in class throughout the two year course. Only the best two pieces of each are submitted to the board. They both cater for 30% of the overall mark. There is no specific level of entry on these modules as tasks are differentiated.

The other two skills (Listening and Reading) continue to be examined at the end of Year 11, with one exam bearing 20% of the overall grade. Students are entered for Higher Level or Foundation level for each of these modules, depending on their ability.

Further study

AS level; A2 level; Extension level.