Spanish is offered as a beginners’ course to all Fourths who choose this subject. The aim is to give pupils an extensive vocabulary and an understanding of Spanish grammar, in readiness for the GCSE course which starts in Removes. In the classroom, pupils are encouraged to communicate in Spanish as much as possible. Writing and reading skills are developed and listening forms a part of every lesson. Outside the classroom, Fourths are expected to attend the Department’s biennial play in the Ben Travers Theatre as well as other productions by professional theatre groups.
The two-year GCSE Spanish course begins in the Removes. Pupils either continue with Spanish from the Fourths or, for the most able linguists, may take up Spanish as a two-year ab initio course. The exam entails four papers: listening, speaking, reading and writing and covers twelve topics. As listening and speaking account for 50% of the overall mark, pupils are encouraged to go to Spain. All the grammar requirements for GCSE are covered in the first year of the course, leaving the second year for reinforcement and practice. The top division will go well beyond the requirements for an A* at GCSE and will, effectively, begin preparation for AS in the Fifths.
The AS exam entails three papers: listening, reading and writing and an oral discussion of a topic related to the Spanish-speaking world. The A2 exam has a further three papers: an oral debate, a literature paper and a combined listening, reading and essay paper. The topics for AS and A2 are related to Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. Pupils will be taught by two teachers for a total of eight lessons a week. For AS pupils, there will be two lessons in the language laboratory, two lessons of reading, grammar and oral practice. A2 pupils will spend half their time on literature; four books are studied. The Advanced Extension Award (AEA) is sat by all pupils predicted an A grade at A2 Spanish.
All Specialists see the Spanish assistant in small groups every week. In addition to work in the classroom, the Department offers a series of eight literature lectures to Second Year Specialists applying to read Spanish at University. Pupils attend annual productions by professional actors at the school’s Ben Travers Theatre and we produce a biennial Departmental play; this year’s production is Lorca’s Blood Wedding. We have regular visits to London to attend plays, talks and exhibitions related to the Hispanic World.