Spanish

Spanish Edexcel 1SP0

Why learn Spanish?

• The Spanish language is at the core of a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. Learning Spanish allows you to get closer to the rich history, culinary traditions, art and culture of the Spanish speaking world.

• Having Spanish as a second language is a great professional asset in today’s globalized economy.

Spanish is a competitive advantage that can bring better career and business opportunities.

For instance, to expand your business, to get a promotion or to change your career. • To make new friends at home or abroad

• To travel more confidently and discover the cultural riches of the Spanish-speaking world • A total of 585 million people speak Spanish in the world, according to the “Yearbook 2020 Spanish in the World 2020”

• On the Internet, Spanish is the third most used, and on social media, the second one.

• Spanish entries at A level exams in England have increased by almost 5% from 2018 making it the most popular language for the first time since A levels began, according to the “Language Trends 2020” report, by the British Council • Spanish will be of crucial importance for the UK’s future prosperity, security and influence in the world after Brexit, “Languages for the future 2017”, by the

British Council.

What will I study?

The course content is divided into four main topic areas for the external examinations.

Identity and culture

• Who I am?: relationships, when I was younger, what my friends and family are like, what makes a good friend, interests, socialising with friends and family, role models

• Daily life: customs and everyday life, food and drink, shopping, social media and technology (use of, advantages, disadvantages) • Cultural life: celebrations and festivals, reading, music, sport, film and television

Local area, holiday and travel

• Holidays: preferences, experiences and destinations • Travel and tourist transactions: travel, accommodation, asking for help and dealing with problems, directions, eating out shopping

Key Stage 4 Guide

• Town, region and country: weather, places to see, things to do

School

• What school is like: school types, school day, subjects, rules and pressures, celebrating success • School activities: school trips, events and exchanges

Future aspirations, study and work

• Using languages beyond the classroom: forming relationships, travel, employment • Ambitions: further study, volunteering, training • Work: jobs, careers and professions

International and global dimension

• Bringing the world together: sports events, music events, campaigns and good causes. • Environmental issues: being “green”, access to natural resources

Emphasis in the teaching is placed on authenticity; on using the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in real life practical situations. The final examination assesses pupils’ performance in the four language skill areas and at two different levels, Foundation and Higher Tiers. Grammar and exposure to cultural and literary context are an essential part of the course.

How will I be assessed?

Listening

Speaking

Reading

Writing A range of formats including multiple choice, open response and some questions in Spanish; authentic and interesting contexts. Contexts set in realistic scenarios to show how language is used in authentic situations; element of choice for all pupils. A range of question formats such as multiple choice, open responses and some questions in Spanish requiring short or one word responses. A short translation also features; texts are all agerelevant and set in the culture of the target language country. A choice of questions which encourage spontaneity and creativity; a translation component also features. All questions are adapted to the level of the pupils, namely Foundation or Higher. (25%)

(25%)

(25%)

(25%)