Coastal Academy Trust

GCSE Spanish

Welcome to GCSE Spanish

At KES we are passionate about Modern Foreign Languages and the endless opportunities our subject offers to our students. Learning a foreign language also includes developing an understanding about the culture of different Spanish-speaking countries.

The MFL department look forward to working with you next year. In this GCSE course, you will be able to develop new skills and knowledge that will broaden your horizons and give you access to an international world of work, study and travel.

WHAT THE COURSE IS ABOUT AND HOW IT IS ASSESSED

We follow the AQA 9-1 Spanish GCSE, which is an examination-only qualification.

The GCSE is assessed in May/June of Year 11, with four examinations of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Each skill is worth 25% and candidates are assessed at either foundation or higher level.

EXAMINATION Higher Tier Foundation Tier
25% Speaking 9-12 minutes (+ preparation) 7-9 minutes (+ preparation)
25% Reading 1 hour 45 minutes
25% Listening 45 minutes 35 minutes
25% Writing 1 hour 15 minutes 1 hour

Homework

Vocabulary and grammar are covered in lessons, with vocabulary to learn and consolidate each week. Students will also have regular listening, reading, exam questions as well as translations to complete for homework and speaking questions and answers to practise. We also use a variety of interactive online tools to support learning in and outside the classroom.

COURSE CONTENT

Pupils study 3 themes over the course of two years, plus a variety of listening, reading, translation and grammar skills.

Theme 1:

Identity and culture

· Me, my family and friends

· Technology in everyday life

· Free-time activities

· Customs and festivals in Spanish-speaking countries/communities

Theme 2:

Local, national, international and global areas of interest

· Home, town and region

· Social issues

· Global issues

· Travel and tourism

Theme 3:

Current and future study and employment

· My studies

· Life at school/college

· Education post-16

· Jobs, career choices and ambitions

Employability Skills

  • Confidence

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Independent learning skills

  • Better memory

  • Understanding of how languages work through learning grammar

  • International mindedness

  • Access to further language study at 6th Form and in further education

  • The skills and confidence required to learn any other language in the future

  • A better chance of being accepted for competitive university/college courses, placements or jobs.

By the end of the course, pupils will have a valuable asset that only a select few in this country have, but which universities and employers are crying out for.