Introduction
The Spanish department is part of the Modern Languages department, situated in the Library block. Spanish is a thriving subject with a large number of pupils taking the subject for the IB Diploma Programme.
In an ever-shrinking world, many employers highly value the ability to speak a foreign language and our aim is for our pupils to express themselves fluently and confidently and to understand spoken and written Spanish competently, as well as introducing them to the society and culture of the Hispanic world.
Curriculum
Entry requirements: Native Speaker: Spanish as a first language
The IB Spanish A: Language and Literature course allows pupils to experience a wide range of literary and non-literary texts, covering at least six different text types, from around the world, including some not originally written in Spanish. You will be given opportunities to consider a wide range of different reading perspectives in relation to a diverse range of international texts. Standard Level pupils study four literary works, including two in translation, covering two major literary genres, two periods and two places.
The IB Spanish A: Language and Literature course is examined at the end of the 2 year linear course and consists of 70% external assessment and 30% internal assessment
• External Assessment: Paper 1, Productive Skills (1 hour 15 minutes standard level, 1 hour 30 higher level, 25%).
• External Assessment Paper 2, Receptive Skills (1 hour, 45 minutes standard level, 2 hours higher level, 50%).
• Internal Assessment: Oral, 12-15 minutes, (plus 15 minutes formal preparation time at standard level and 20 minutes at higher 25%), which is based on a visual stimulus at standard level and an extract from a literary work at higher level.
Societies and events
The department runs a very popular twice-termly Spanish Society. These are usually Spanish or Latin American film nights enjoyed with tapas and are open to pupils in Year 11 and the Sixth Form studying Spanish.
Occasionally, we organise theatre and cinema trips for Spanish pupils if there is a suitable play or film on. In previous years we have seen ‘The Three Cornered Hat’ in Cambridge, The Buena Vista Social Club playing live in Norwich and a variety of films including ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and ‘The Sea Inside’.
The Spanish Department is involved in wider Modern Languages Department events such as Translation Competitions, Language Days and organising the Flash Fiction Competition which is judged by Oxford University and encourages pupils to demonstrate their language skills through creative writing.