Modern foreign
Languages

• There is an equal balance of skills learned in a Modern Foreign Language: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
• The understanding of the grammatical concepts that underpin the language, so pupils understand how it works and more importantly through their use, how they can control the use of the language to achieve their aims in its use.
• There is a clear need to understand how English works and develop a good understanding of English grammar in order to be able to learn a new language.
• How to develop memory techniques that will benefit pupils across the curriculum.
• How to use language for practical communication.

Year 7

All pupils study Spanish. Pupils are taught a range of topics focusing on developing the four key skill areas (listening, speaking, reading & writing). We also aim to develop the ability to respond to and produce language spontaneously with an emphasis on using the target language in the classroom as much as possible. Pupils study the following topics during Year 7:

Unit 1 – Introduction to the Spanish speaking world, self and classroom language.
Unit 2 – Family, pets and descriptions
Unit 3 – Free time and the weather
Unit 4 – My home

Formal assessments of skill areas take place at the end of each module. Regular vocabulary study is set to encourage pupils to develop the ability to learn and retain language. Pupils are encouraged to make use of free, commercial apps to further develop their language across a range of topic areas to build vocabulary.  They will start a reading scheme in the third term to start reading for pleasure. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups.

Year 8

All pupils continue with the study of Spanish. Pupils are taught a range of topics focusing on further developing the four key skill areas (listening, speaking, reading & writing). We also aim to further develop the ability to respond to and produce language spontaneously. Pupils study the following topics in Year 8:

Regular vocabulary study is set to encourage pupils to develop the ability to learn and retain language. Pupils are taught within the context to the Spanish speaking world and learn about its culture and its people. Pupils will extend their knowledge of literature in the target language Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups.

Year 9

Pupils build on their first two years of study and develop a greater understanding of language learning and grammar leading to their further studies at GCSE. 

Pupils will continue to learn about the Spanish speaking world and continue to cover essential grammar and structures

Year 10

In the second year of study at GCSE pupils will start to deepen their understanding of grammar and develop greater language skills. They will develop their skills to produce language in speaking and writing and improve their reading and listening skills through practice.

The topics of work will cover both Foundation and Higher tiers across the scheme of work.

Term 1

Unit 1 – Relationships with family and friends
Marriage and partnership
Unit 2 – Technology in everyday life

Term 2

Unit 3 – Freetime activities
Unit 4 Customs

Term 3

Unit 4 – Festivals in Spain and Hispanic countries
Unit 5 – Home, hometown, neighbourhood and region

Pupils are encouraged to use  online learning resources such as Duolingo and Memrise to independently build vocabulary, to develop the ability to learn and retain language. They also complete a minimum of one weekly reader in the departmental reading scheme.  Homework will also be in the form of written assignments and practice and preparation of speaking tasks.

Year 11

Pupils in Year 11 will study :-

Term 1

Unit 6 – Social issues
Unit 7 – Environment
Homelessness and poverty
Unit 8 – Tourism

Term 2

Unit 9 – My studies
Unit 10 – Life at school
Unit 11 –  Current and future study
Unit 12 – Jobs, career choices and ambitions

Term 3

The course now completed, pupils will prepare for their final exams in the four skills.

Speaking exam provisional dates are May 4th to May 26th.

Easter revision will be preparation for the speaking exam.

Listening and reading skills will be practised using Exampro and the course materials to fully prepare students for their tier of entry : Foundation or Higher.

The final exam is in writing and pupils will produce written pieces across the full range of the scheme.

The A-level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It is an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society.

The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or to further study, including a modern languages degree. Our principal aim for Year 12 is to help make the transition from GCSE to A level developing a full range of language skills and knowledge, to achieve the highest possible grades at the end of KS 5.  Students follow the AQA A Level specification. ( A detailed description of the A level can be found in this link: 6th Form handbook)

The following topics are studied at A Level:-

Social issues and trends

1 Aspects of Hispanic society

2 Multiculturalism in Hispanic society

Political and artistic culture

1 Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

2 Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world

Works – Literary texts and films: Over the two years of study students study La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico Garcia Lorca and the Amoldóvar film, ‘Volver’. They choose a cultural topic to prepare for the final spoken and written exams in Year 13.

All Sixth Form Students benefit from at least of one hour a week timetabled with our Spanish Foreign Language Assistant during which they will develop their spoken fluency through interaction with a native speaker.

Students are encouraged to maintain a thorough, continual pursuit of independent language study (referenced in the handbook). They have the opportunity to borrow film and reading material. They should use online access to media in a variety of forms to expand their language experience.