All pupils will begin two modern foreign languages in Year 7 and continue them through Year 8. Spanish is one of the available choices. From Year 9, pupils may opt to take Spanish as their language option at GCSE level. Pupils are encouraged, and able, to take two modern foreign languages at GCSE level.
Spanish in Years 7 to 8
Pupils will learn the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in another language. They will develop communication skills and an understanding of Spanish culture. Learning is made relevant by working with themes such as me and my family, school and work, home and daily routine, hobbies, holidays, my town and more. By structuring our Spanish language course in this way pupils can relate to the topics covered and thus gain a deep and rounded understanding of the subject. Teacher Assessments of pupils’ Key Stage 3 language capabilities take place in the summer term of Year 8.
GCSE Spanish from Year 9
From Year 9, pupils continue to learn in the manner adopted in Years 7 to 8. They will build upon their core skills and refine their abilities in all aspects of the language while producing coursework and preparing for their GCSE examination.
GCSE assessment
Work will be assessed via coursework and examination. Written coursework, which accounts for 25% of available marks, continues throughout Years 10 and 11, the GCSE examination takes place either in Year 10 or Year 11, according to the progress and learning needs of each individual. Examination accounts for 75% of the available marks (25% of marks being available for each of listening, speaking and reading).
Enrichment activities
Having achieved specialist Language College status, Slough Grammar School offers a broad range of high quality language enrichment activities. From visits to Spain, through our Spanish competition, to Spanish in Industry Week and modern foreign language ICT activities, pupils are encouraged to open their minds and develop their skills. A highlight of 2004-2005 was the Year 8 production of Grease the musical in Spanish. It is our intention that our pupils will be ready and able to take their place in a world where language skills, and understanding of other cultures, are becoming increasingly important.
Beyond GCSE
The school offers AS and A2 level Spanish to sixth form students. Spanish can also be selected as a subject by those opting to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Beyond school
Language qualifications will help those pupils wishing to consider further education or employment in areas such as teaching, travel, leisure and tourism, economics, politics and many other disciplines: never before have language skills been so useful, or in such demand.
