Middle School Spanish

Overview

Spanish in Middle School, is based on acquiring the basic skills to convey and understand information, to communicate with other speakers of Spanish, to listen for enjoyment, to read for pleasure, and to develop cultural awareness. In order to achieve our objectives, pupils are taught the principles and relationship of sounds and writing, how to listen carefully for gist and detail, how to ask and answer questions, how to use context and other clues to interpret meaning, how to develop their independence in learning and using the target language.

Pupils are made aware of Spanish grammar, how to apply it and how to express themselves using a range of vocabulary and structures. We emphasize developing techniques for memorising words, phrases and short extracts. We also encourage the pupils to ‘play’ with the language creatively and imaginatively.

We offer one period of Spanish a week to Year 7 and Year 9 and two periods in Year 8. We divide each year into three mixed ability groups. Linda Conroy teaches the students in Lower School as class groups and they therefore have a good grounding in Spanish when they reach Middle School.

We are using Listos, a lively and easy-to-use Spanish course that serves a wide ability range. The framework of the books is that it reinforces each objective in a number of units. The book is combined with realia, such as magazines, songs and films, available in the school’s library. The students can use them to reinforce the topics studied in class and to see Spanish in its real context.

Assessment of work

The MFL department assesses students formally at the end of each term. The students then complete a self evaluation form that they use to set their own targets for improvement for the following term. Within the term, there are plenty of opportunities for evaluation: oral feedback in lessons, peer and self assessment, short vocabulary and grammar tests, depending on the needs of the students.

Homework

Pupils are expected to hand in one piece of work a week. Homework reinforces what has been done in class and it can consist of written work, dialogues, role plays, songs or vocabulary learning.

Parental involvement

We welcome any parent who decides to take up Spanish to learn alongside their offspring. Parents have been always very helpful and we encourage their participation in the discovery of a new language.

Further study

GCSE & A Level