Learning a new language encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons as they explore the language and its associated culture.

Through  learning of a new language pupils:

• gain a deeper understanding of their first language and appreciate the richness and interconnected nature of languages
• enhance their understanding and enjoyment of their own and other cultures and gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world
• develop skills that they can use and enjoy in work and leisure throughout  life.

The study of language plays an important role in all language learning and the development of literacy skills.

Pupils develop and extend literacy skills when they have opportunities to:

• communicate, collaborate and build relationships
• reflect on and explain literacy and thinking skills, using feedback to help them improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others
• engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT
• develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable about their own and other cultures and their languages
• explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect them and the wide range of ways in which they can be creative
• extend and enrich vocabulary through listening, talking, watching and reading.

What will I learn?

The National Spanish Course (or French or other language if available) will give pupils the opportunity to learn to talk, listen, read and write in Spanish.  Pupils do not need to have studied Spanish before.

Pupils will learn to apply a foreign language in a number of situations and contexts.

Pupils will also learn about Spanish culture, Spanish food and life in Spain.  By the end of the course pupils should be able to have a short conversation in Spanish.

What will I do?

Pupils will use a wide range of resources including ICT, Library, DVDs, Games as well copies of e.g. food and drink objects as well as classwork which will include working in a group or in pairs.

 

Self, peer and teacher assessment will be used to ensure pupils understand what is required and receive appropriate feedback on how to improve.  At National level, pupils must pass all of the unit assessments to achieve an overall course award.  These assessments take place during class time throughout the year.