Spanish: Key Stage 5 Curriculum
For an increasing number of pupils, success and enjoyment at GCSE Level leads them to pursue the Spanish AS and A2 courses which open up plentiful opportunities for further study at university or practical use in the workplace in the UK or abroad. Many of our pupils go on to read Spanish at degree level, appreciating the tremendous benefits that knowledge of the language can have when seeking a career.
We follow the Edexcel specification and course book which focus on the topic areas of Lifestyle, Health and Fitness, Youth Culture and Concerns, Education and Employment and The World Around Us. Pupils are taught to debate key issues and current affairs using sophisticated language which enables them to express their own ideas with spontaneity and fluency. Up-to-date and authentic materials are employed in every lesson where there is as much emphasis on content as grammatical accuracy. Weekly one-to-one classes with our native-speaker assistant allow every pupil to hone their oral skills and focus upon their individual areas of interest. In Year 13, the topics of Customs, Beliefs and National and International Events are taught. Girls are also introduced to Hispanic literature and the art of translation, both of which prove invaluable additions to their repertoire when applying for a place at University.
Immersion in the Spanish language is encouraged through the Year 12 cultural trip to Barcelona/Seville and many girls also undertake a work experience placement in Year 13. By the end of the A Level course, our girls are confident Spanish speakers, trained in the skill of independent research and capable of presenting intelligent viewpoints on a range of complex issues.