Spanish

National 4

The aim of this subject is to allow you to develop your skills in Spanish in useful and relevant contexts. The four skill areas are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. You will also learn about the use of Spanish throughout the world and about the Hispanic culture.

Not only is the importance of learning Spanish becoming increasingly crucial in terms of the global economy, it can also play a major role in your own personal development. The Spanish passion for living is contagious and once you start to learn about their language and culture, you won’t ever want to stop!  This course will be suitable for some pupils who wish to pick up a language again after a break, or beginners.

Pupils will learn about:

  • Understanding Language – This Unit develops basic reading and listening skills in Spanish and knowledge of straightforward language in the contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture.
  • Using Language – In this Unit, pupils will develop and apply their knowledge of straightforward Spanish in a range of contexts, and use this in talking and writing.
  • Added Value Unit:  Modern Languages:  Assignment – This unit allows pupils to demonstrate all the skills they have learned and apply them independently to investigate a topic of their own choice.

National 4 Spanish is all assessed internally by classroom teachers; there is no external examination for this course. It is important to note a speaking assessment is a requirement of the course.

National 5

The aim of this subject is to allow you to develop linguistic skills in Spanish in useful and relevant contexts. The four skill areas are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. You will also learn about the use of Spanish throughout the world and about the Hispanic culture.

Not only is the importance of learning Spanish becoming increasingly crucial in terms of the global economy, it can also play a major role in your own personal development. The Spanish passion for living is contagious and once you start to learn about their language and culture, you won’t ever want to stop!  

According to most estimates, Spanish is the mother tongue of more than 400 million people around the globe, and it is predicted that by 2060 the USA will be the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. In today’s global marketplace, knowledge of a second language can be an extremely valuable asset for employers and employees alike. Modern businesses are always keen to have staff members who can help them with international trade and since Spanish is an official language in over 20 countries, it is especially relevant in the current climate.

Course Outline

The course provides the opportunity to develop reading and listening skills in Spanish, and to develop knowledge and understanding of detailed language in the contexts of society, learning, employability and culture. Pupils also work to develop talking and writing skills in Spanish, and develop further knowledge and understanding of detailed language in different contexts. 

Pupils will learn skills in:

  • Understanding Language – Reading and Listening
  • Using Language – Talking and Writing

These skills are assessed in the contexts of:

  • Society
  • Learning
  • Employability
  • Culture

National 5 Spanish is assessed as follows:

  • Question paper 1: Reading & Writing
  • Question paper 2: Listening
  • Assignment: Writing
  • Performance: Talking

All components apart from Talking are marked externally by the SQA.

Higher

The course provides the opportunity to develop reading and listening skills in Spanish, and to develop knowledge and understanding of detailed language in the contexts of society, learning, employability and culture. Pupils also work to develop talking and writing skills in Spanish, and develop further knowledge and understanding of detailed language in different contexts. 

  • Understanding Language – Reading and Listening
  • Using Language – Talking and Writing

These skills are assessed in the contexts of:

  • Society
  • Learning
  • Employability
  • Culture

Higher Spanish is assessed as follows:

  • Question paper 1: Reading & Writing
  • Question paper 2: Listening
  • Assignment: Writing
  • Performance: Talking

All components apart from Talking are marked externally by the SQA.