Spanish
Intent – why do we teach what we teach in Spanish?
It is our intention that all students should be confident and fluent in a modern foreign language. We see this as an essential, life enhancing, skill. In the Spanish department our intention is to develop the following knowledge, aptitudes and dispositions in our students:
- A lifelong love of languages
- A confidence in languages and the ability to take risks and try out new things
- A sound grounding in the Spanish language and the ability to speak, read and write in Spanish
- Enhanced cultural capital through exposure to Spanish culture
- An appreciation of the value of language learning in the modern world
- The ability to learn effectively, both individually and collaboratively
- Confidence and resilience
Through Spanish, all students explore cultural similarities and differences with British traditions, which provides them with curiosity and a better understanding of the world. Through learning Spanish, most of our students qualify for the EBACC and can more easily access leading universities. Our lessons are taught mainly in the target language to maximise students’ confidence and familiarity.
Implementation – how do we teach Spanish?
The curriculum for Spanish regularly revisits concepts that gradually develop students’ four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. The Spanish department believes in the importance of introducing the students to complex structures from KS3 so the language can be reviewed, making it easier for students to recall the language from their long-term memory. All teachers are also committed to share and teach Spanish culture to expand the students’ awareness and knowledge. Beyond the mere linguistic knowledge, all teachers are consciously teaching culture to make the Spanish language become alive and facilitate students’ understanding.
From Year 7, all students start engaging not only with subject content, but also with the general culture and current affairs of Spanish-speaking countries. By the end of Year 8, all students can present themselves and communicate through basic everyday tasks equivalent to A1 and A2 tasks from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
From Year 9, students start to build on their foundations of the language by introducing more complex and creative structures as well as developing more advanced translation skills. Throughout KS4, students not only focus on perfecting exam skills but also start to truly develop a language ability that will serve them beyond the classroom.
In KS5, students have developed a skillset which allows them to access authentic materials - film, books, news and documentaries. Students are able to share points of views on a variety of topics like the role of women in society, immigration, and racism, and are able to justify arguments with evidence. Through the study of a book or film, Spanish students at Chobham are able to immerse themselves into the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Studying languages beyond KS5 offers numerous benefits, including more career opportunities in fields like business and education, better cultural understanding, and cognitive advantages such as improved problem-solving skills.
Outside the lessons, students can expand their knowledge and enjoy learning by practicing Spanish in a wide range of extra-curricular activities - spelling bee competitions, culture and homework clubs and participating in other events across the capital and partnerships with local universities - Queen Mary University - who regularly have speakers coming down to Chobham.
Impact – What are the outcomes from Spanish?
In KS3 Spanish students are introduced to the traditions and customs of festivals which are celebrated in Spanish speaking countries and communities around the world. The students are also able to develop their listening and reading skills on different topics that relate to their immediate world and identity. Additionally, students establish a sound understanding of grammatical structure that will need to express themselves in spoken and written Spanish. This is achieved through the high expectations set by the Spanish teachers at Chobham.
At KS4, Spanish is a very popular subject which is studied by over two thirds of the students. At GCSE 2024, over 53% of the students secured a Grade 4 or above; with over 11% students securing a Grade 7 or above. This allowed students to access their chosen Post-16 courses. Spanish is also taught at A Level with 6th formers.
There are also some students who go on to study Spanish at higher education institutions, some highlights are below:
2023 – Laura Prochnow Padilha: Hispanic studies University of Warwick
2023 – Eliza Yomaszuk: Linguistics University Colleague London
Exam Board Information
GCSE Syllabus Studied – AQA Spanish (Year 11 2024-25) and Edexcel Spanish (Year 10 2024-25)
A Level Syllabus Studied – AQA Spanish
Documents
| Spanish Curriculum Map | Download |
