Spanish

Faculty Aims:

At the heart of our Spanish department is a commitment to nurturing confident, independent learners who are inspired by language and culture and enjoy the learning process.

Our key aims are:

• To foster independent learning both in lessons and beyond the classroom.
• To make the acquisition of higher-level language skills enjoyable, engaging, and intellectually rewarding.
• To promote inclusive, modern teaching approaches that cater to diverse learning styles and reflect contemporary methodologies.
• To offer regular co-curricular trips and experiences.
• To encourage healthy living, compassion, curiosity, and open discussion around relationships and cultural understanding through the curriculum.

Facilities

We are proud to have native Spanish-speaking teachers, who bring authentic linguistic expertise and cultural insight into the classroom.

Our department is also supported by two Modern Language Assistants (MLAs) from Spanish-speaking countries. They work closely with students to prepare for speaking assessments and to develop both linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.

We make extensive use of online learning platforms to support independent study, revision, and enrichment.

A Level Curriculum

Our A Level Spanish curriculum offers a rich and intellectually stimulating exploration of the language and the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students develop both linguistic accuracy and fluency, while deepening their understanding of contemporary social, political, and cultural issues.

Through the study of literature, film, and current affairs, students gain valuable insights and broaden their global perspective. The course also fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural empathy, qualities that are highly valued in higher education and beyond.

Exam board: AQA A-level Spanish 7692 | Specification | AQA

Co-curricular, Enrichment, Extension and Support

We offer a wide range of opportunities to enrich students’ learning and support their progress:

• BFI Study Day: A day trip for Years 12 and 13 to support the study of our chosen Spanish film and play.
• MLA Support: Weekly individual or paired speaking sessions for Years 12 and 13, as well as lunchtime and after-school support.
• Cultural Enrichment Programme: A variety of events including food-tasting (such as a tapas competition), cultural celebrations, and enjoyable activities for students in Years 7–13.
• Student Performance: A play in Spanish performed by A Level students to build confidence, engagement, and a sense of community. We also annually host Onatti foreign language theatre productions.
• Immersion Trip: A GCSE and A Level trip to Spain, including language lessons, cultural activities, and host family experience and work experience for A Level students.
• PenPal Projects: Collaborative exchanges with students in Spanish-speaking countries to foster language development and intercultural understanding.
• Language and Translation Competitions: Opportunities for students to participate in national and regional competitions, encouraging creativity, precision, and a deeper appreciation of the language.

Our A Level Spanish students consistently achieve excellent outcomes, with 100% securing grades between A*-C in recent years. Feedback from both students and parents reflects a high level of satisfaction, frequently highlighting the department’s supportive atmosphere, dynamic and engaging teaching, and the wide range of enrichment opportunities available.