Spanish
TRANSITION | FOUNDATION | EXAMINATION | ADVANCED
At Kingsbury High School the purpose of studying a foreign language is to provide students an opening to other cultures. Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.
Learning languages gives students opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity. They explore the similarities and differences between other languages and English and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways. The development of communication skills, together with understanding of the structure of language, lay the foundations for future study of other languages and support the development of literacy skills in a pupil’s own language.
The University of Cambridge highlights the importance of learning Spanish:
"Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people in the world. It is the official language in 21 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Ecuatorial Guinea (in Western Africa), Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. Other regions, such as the sub-Sahara in northern Africa, and countries such as the Philippines (named after king Philip II of Spain) used to have Spanish as their main language. In the United States, Spanish is the second most used language after English, with over 40 million speakers. Therefore, by learning Spanish you will be able to communicate with variety of speakers from different social, cultural, and ethnical backgrounds."
Curriculum
Exam Qualifications
Enrichment
- Y7, Y8 and Y9 European Experience Trip to popular European markets in Northern France/Germany
- Y9 & Y10 trips to European cities: Madrid, Paris, Cologne.
- Residential trips to Normandy (France)
- British Film Institute Short Films Study days
- Spanish partner school correspondence and collaborations
- KS4 and KS5 educational conferences and workshops featuring the contents of study, outings to the theatre
- Trinity College (Cambridge University) languages workshop for Y11s
Year 9 Options
Learning Spanish is one of the best decisions you can make! With over 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide, it is the second most widely spoken language in the world after Mandarin. We are going to share with you the top 5 reasons why learning Spanish is so awesome. Get ready to be convinced!
1) Exploring the Spanish Speaking World
One of the biggest benefits of learning Spanish is gaining access to the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish is the official language of 21 countries, including Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. This means that by learning Spanish, you can communicate with people from different parts of the world. You can travel to these countries and speak with locals, make new friends, and immerse yourself in the local culture. You can also read books, watch movies, and listen to music in their original language, allowing you to truly appreciate the nuances of the Spanish-speaking world.
2) Job Prospects
In today’s globalized world, knowing a second language can make a huge difference in your job prospects. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world, and there’s a growing demand for bilingual employees in many industries. Whether you’re interested in working in international business, healthcare, or tourism, knowing Spanish can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Plus, if you’re looking to work in a Spanish-speaking country, knowing the language is essential.
3) Engaging in Culture
Spanish-speaking countries have a rich cultural heritage, and learning Spanish can give you access to their media. From TV shows to movies, music to literature, there’s a wealth of content to explore. By learning Spanish, you can watch Spanish-language shows without subtitles, read books in their original language, and appreciate the nuances of Spanish-language music. Plus, with the rise of streaming services like Netflix, it’s easier than ever to find Spanish-language content to enjoy.
4) Travel
Do you love to travel? Then you need to learn Spanish! Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world, meaning you can communicate with people from different parts of the world. Whether you’re backpacking through South America, exploring the beaches of Mexico, or visiting the historic cities of Spain, knowing Spanish can make your travels much easier and more enjoyable. In addition, you are not just limited to the traditional Spanish-speaking world, you’ll more than likely run into someone that knows Spanish whether you’re at a hotel or restaurant.
5) Personal Growth
Learning a new language is a great way to challenge yourself and grow as a person. Studies have shown that learning a second language can improve cognitive function, memory and creativity. Plus, it can boost your self-confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment. Learning Spanish can also be a fun and rewarding hobby, allowing you to meet new people, explore new cultures, and learn new things.
Conclusion
There are so many great reasons to learn Spanish! From gaining access to the Spanish-speaking world to improving your job prospects to enjoying Spanish-language media and travelling more easily, learning Spanish can be a life-changing experience. So why not start learning Spanish today? ¡Vamos! (Let’s go!)
Assessment
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Paper 2 |
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Paper 4 |
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Name/Skill
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Listening |
Speaking |
Reading |
Writing |
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Assessment
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Exam |
Exam |
Exam |
Exam |
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Weighting |
25% |
25% |
25% |
25% |