Spanish GCSE

Head of  Department: Mrs R Cox 

What is GCSE Spanish?

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world in terms of numbers of native speakers. Being able to speak and communicate in Spanish is therefore a skill which is highly valued by employers, particularly when combined with another skill area. The course includes the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as translation skills. It will also improve your social skills, give you a sense of achievement, and the language skills that you develop could be a valuable tool when you travel abroad for either business or pleasure.

What skills will I develop?

As well as improving your ability to communicate in Spanish, GCSE Spanish teaches you communication skills, adaptability and cultural awareness. Learning how to interact with speakers of another language means you are less likely to be stuck in one mode of thinking.  It can help you see things from a range of perspectives, develop your problem-solving skills, and make you more adaptable, resourceful and creative.

What syllabus will I follow?

AQA GCSE Spanish (8698)

What will the course look like?

Topics covered during the two-year course will include: Me, my family and friends; Technology in everyday life; Free-time activities; Customs and festivals in Spanish speaking countries; Home, town, neighbourhood and region; Social issues; Global issues; Travel and tourism; My studies; Life at school; Education post-16; Jobs, career choices and ambitions. Pupils taking GCSE Spanish will have the opportunity to complete one week of their work experience in Cantabria, Spain. This is an excellent way to improve language skills, develop cultural understanding, make international friends and really impress a future employer!

What homework will I get?

Pupils are expected to complete regular homework. This will include weekly learning, and a variety of activities including verb formations, practice in the use of grammatical structures, reading exercises, speaking presentations, extended pieces of writing, and online learning.

How will I be assessed?

The course is 100% final exam with each skill area (listening, speaking, reading and writing) worth 25% each.

What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?

There are many opportunities to travel or work with organisations abroad where some knowledge of Spanish is a clear advantage: interpreter, teacher, translator, journalist, sales executive, marketing executive, tour manager, editor to name but a few!

There is a huge range of combined degrees and further education courses involving Spanish; from accountancy to theatre studies with Spanish. Many universities even offer funding for students to continue or extend their Spanish knowledge by travelling or working abroad during the long vacations or during a year abroad as part of a degree course.

Are there any entry requirements for this course?

Pupils need to have studied Spanish in year 9 to follow this course.

If I need additional support, what can I access?

It is extremely important for pupils to have access to a bilingual dictionary and/or reference materials on the internet to assist them with language homework. Revision guides are also available and class teachers will inform you about support sessions.

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