Spanish

What is Spanish?

Spanish at Harris Academy Sutton is the study of the Spanish language and culture. Through learning Spanish, we promote students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of different countries’ peoples, culture, history, literature and art whilst developing their ability to communicate effectively and comprehend the language.

Why do we teach Spanish?

Languages provide a gateway to other cultures and the world around us. Learning a foreign language takes learners on a voyage of discovery and provides an opening to other cultures.

With more than 437 million native speakers, across twenty-one countries, Spanish is one of the most important languages in the world. Therefore, learning a language such as Spanish opens many doors for the learners.

Through our comprehensive language’s curriculum at Harris Academy Sutton, we:

• develop students’ understanding of themselves socially and in the context of an international environment as well as provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.

• enable pupils to communicate effectively and confidently in the foreign language.

• inspire pupils to extend and pursue language learning outside the classroom.

• prepare our pupils to be competent global citizens through their knowledge of languages and appreciation of foreign cultures. 

How do we teach Spanish at Key Stage 3?

• Our teachers are committed to develop our students’ literacy through the ability to use language effectively for purposes of practical communication; to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken; to encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages.

• When students arrive at our school, they have had a variety of different experiences in relation to their learning of a Modern Foreign Language. Therefore, the department of Languages and Culture at Harris Academy Sutton offers all students the opportunity to study Spanish, regardless of their level of achievement.

• Teaching is focused on developing the pupils’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on a foundation of core grammar and vocabulary. At KS3, all students are encouraged to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study and practical implementation as they move into Key Stage 4 where the application of tenses and longer sentences as well as more complex grammar are crucial for success.

• The way we teach languages at Harris Academy Sutton is by its nature very accessible. In order to develop confident language learners, lessons are taught in the target language and pupils learn to use the target language from the onset. This is achieved through routines, games and songs. At Harris Academy Sutton, we believe that in order to learn the language, one needs to also learn and understand the culture and history of the countries where the language is spoken. As such, developing a knowledge of the Spanish culture is embedded throughout the curriculum.

How do we teach Spanish at Key Stage 4?

• The vast majority of students will study Spanish at GCSE as part of our broad and balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum.

• Our KS3 curriculum prepares students for the demands of this course due to its spiralled nature. Students consolidate the learning that has taken place in Key Stage 3 and more focus is placed on the GCSE exam criteria. In addition, the curriculum continues to expand students' cultural knowledge whilst developing their language skills at the same time. More complex vocabulary and grammatical structures are taught in order for all students to be able to aspire to achieve a Grade 9. Students cover the topics which form part of the three themes assessed at GCSE – Identity and Culture, Local, National, International and Global; Areas of Interest and Current and Future Study and Employment. Students are given strategies and techniques for completion of each of the GCSE papers and Mock Exams are sat at several points throughout the two-year course.

What exam board do we study at Key Stage 4?

• Students studying Spanish at HASU follow the Edexcel syllabus which continues to build on the premise that learning a language can bring many benefits. 

• Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.

• My personal world 

• Lifestyle and wellbeing 

• My neighbourhood 

• Media and technology 

• Studying and my future 

• Travel and tourism 

• The specification can be found here