Spanish

OVERVIEW

The aim of the AQA Spanish (7692) course is to enable students to develop their linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken.

Students will look at technological and social change, the multicultural nature of the target language societies, highlights of artistic culture including identity and cultural heritage of past civilizations, art and architecture. They will also learn about the diverse political landscape of the Spanish speaking world. In addition, students will study literature and film and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research in a field of their choice.

Assessment tasks will be varied and cover listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

AS and A Level: Although we recommend that students undertake the two year A Level course, the AS course is fully co-teachable with the first year of the A Level course, enabling students to choose to sit AS examinations in the summer, without continuing to the second year of study.

CONTENT

Grammar is taught alongside the specific content as set out in the AQA specification. The literature texts and films are selected from set lists from the AQA and are chosen by the class teachers. Currently we teach La Casa de Bernarda Alba and Pan’s Labyrinth. 

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

Textbooks

We make full use of the OUP textbooks which are fully aligned to the AQA course and each year is provided by the school for students to borrow, with the digital version available online at kerboodle.com. Teachers may also make use of the Hodder textbook in class, but there is no requirement to purchase a copy. Students may like to buy their own grammar workbooks and study guides for the films and books studied throughout the course.

In addition, a selection of textbooks are also available for the pupils in the school library. A selection of reference and fiction books are available for staff and students in the Languages Workroom. Furthermore, we make use of a variety of authentic materials and online resources which are shared via Google Classroom.

ROOMS

Many Sixth Form lessons take place in Singleton, however, the Department has five dedicated classrooms, including a 28 station digitised audio language laboratory, in which every Sixth Form class will have lessons in order to maximise independent listening opportunities. There is also a room for focussed speaking sessions. All rooms have a computer and amplifier through which to play sound recordings and a data projector.

TRIPS & VISITS

To enhance the pupils’ feel and understanding for their language learning and to give them first-hand insight into the socio-cultural backgrounds of the languages which they are learning, pupils are strongly encouraged to participate in the visits abroad and other cultural activities laid on by the Department.

Every year we aim to offer a short stay trip to France, Germany or Spain during which they will undertake mini language projects, for example the 2022 trip to Barcelona and the 2024 trip to Germany.

Students, especially older ones, are encouraged to make trips abroad on their own initiative. Information about gap years and work experience abroad is posted from time to time on Faculty notice boards.

The Faculty also arranges several trips to support pupils’ learning and promote interest in the learning of languages and encourage curiosity about the cultures of their chosen language. In recent years there have been several visits including a Spanish trip to the Lorca theatre in London, and a study day for A Level at Manchester University. We also enjoy visits to local restaurants to sample the gastronomy of Spain, France and Germany as well!

EXTRA CURRICULAR

The Department is dedicated to providing a wide variety of learning opportunities.  We currently offer a Duo Lingo Club for 6th Form students and revision clinics.

We also encourage participation in several regional, nationwide, and indeed international competitions including the Young Translator’s competition for Sixth Form in November and the Northern Schools MFL Debating Competition. In February, we run the Linguistics Olympiad Competition for Year 9 and above.  Students have also had the chance to take part in an essay writing competition organised by Lancaster University.

For more information please contact:

Mrs. S Broom

Head of Languages Faculty