What Will I Learn?
The Spanish GCSE course is organised around 3 main themes which are relevant and topical to young people.
Theme 1: Identity and Culture (me, my family and friends, technology in everyday life, free-time activities and customs and festivals in Spanish-speaking countries/communities)
Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest (home, town, neighbourhood and region, social and global issues and travel and tourism)
Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment (my studies, life at school/college , education post-16 and jobs, career choices and ambitions)
Through the study of these different topics you will develop key skills such as listening, reading, translation, critical thinking, resilience and the ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers. You will be able to convey what you want to say with increasing accuracy, spontaneity and fluency. The GCSE course will also allow you to deepen your knowledge about how the Spanish language works and to develop your understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where Spanish is spoken.
How Am I Assessed?
The course comprises four exams which are all equally weighted in the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The oral examination is completed towards the end of year 11 and includes a role play, a description of a photo and a general conversation. All other skills are also completed at the end of year 11 giving you plenty of time to develop your language skills. There are two tiers for the examination: Foundation assesses grades 1—5 and Higher assesses grades 4—9.
What Career Options Do I Have?
A GCSE in Spanish would form part of the EBacc which is recommended by Britain’s most prestigious universities for a variety of courses (which are not solely language based.) It would also lead on to further study of Spanish at A Level or the ab initio study of another language at University.
A GCSE language would support careers in sectors such as Advertising and Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, International Business and Management Consultancy. Other more traditional roles include translating and interpreting. Language skills are in demand more than ever before as, due to Brexit, companies can no longer rely on standard procedures with more face to face interaction being of vital importance for a company’s success.