Subject Intent

The curriculum is designed to continue to develop enthusiasm for the subject and cultural understanding, helping students to become global citizens.

The curriculum will analyse in depth; literature, media and authentic material in the target language and will broaden students’ understanding of the cultures, history and current affairs of Spanish speaking countries. 

The curriculum will build upon grammatical structures and understanding learned at KS4, with a view to developing a more spontaneous and authentic application of Spanish.

The curriculum is intended to give students more fluent linguistic skills for practical usage, in addition to academic achievement and prepare students for the transition into further education or careers.

 

Staffing

Kate McLennan – Head of MFL  

K.mclennan@derbycathedralschool.org.uk

Bonnie Nicholson – Teacher of MFL/Head of Year  

B.Nicholson@derbycathedralschool.org.uk

Ester Andrés – Teacher of MFL

E.Andrés@derbycathedralschool.org.uk

 

Homework and Assessment

Students will be given weekly Active vocabulary tests (English into Spanish) based upon the topics which they are studying.

Students will also be given weekly grammatical tasks and will be asked to write one literature, media or topic based essay per week.

Students to research a Spanish article of their choice (based on the topic they are covering in lessons) and summarise this to Ms Andrés during their speaking session. This will develop their speaking practise but also their summary practice for paper 1.

 At the beginning of Year 13, students will be expected to commence work on their Independent Research projects, which will require them to research a chosen topic with a focus on an area of Hispanic life. They will then write their findings into a presentation and be prepared to answer question on their chosen subject, in Spanish, in an exam environment.

Students will complete 3 summative assessments (exam papers) per academic year.

 

Independent Study and Revision

Students should review their lesson notes at the end of each day and identify any learning gaps.

They will ensure that they practise speaking skills with a native speaker of independently.

They will read Spanish press and literature and watch TV programmes and films in target language.

A Level Spanish students have a login and access to:
thisisschool.com
Kerboodle.com

 

Subject Enrichment

Weekly 1-1 Spanish speaking sessions

Language immersion – The opportunity to use target language with native speakers This may be in the form of trips abroad, or in the UK.

Dinner date – 6th form students will attend a meal and will order and converse in Spanish.

Theatre trip to see La Casa de Bernada Alba.

 

Super-Curricular 

  • Change your phone settings into Spanish – This is great brain training.
  • Listen to Spanish radio and music – find a band that you like.
  • Netflix series – Las chicas del cable, High seas, Rebelde, Soy Georgina.
  • Use Lyrics training.
  • Find a language exchange and go to a session.
  • Use Seneca Learning.
  • Use quizlet for vocabulary practice.
  • Log onto conjugemos.com for grammar practice

    Literacy

  • El páis, el mundo – Online newpapers.
  • Hola ¿Qué pasa? – Online news articles aimed at Spanish learners.
  • Acción Gramatica book
  • Write shopping lists in Spanish
  • Ollie MFL – Buletines.
  • Read, childrens books that you are familiar with translated into Spanish; eg: Harry potter, Hunger Games, Twilight.