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SPANISH

Languages programme of study:  ‘Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.

 

Curriculum Overview

The Spanish curriculum develops pupils as confident communicators with an understanding of language, culture and global citizenship. Through listening, speaking, reading and writing, pupils build linguistic competence, grammatical knowledge and cultural awareness. The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced to ensure sustained progress from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE Spanish.

Curriculum Intent

The intent of the Spanish curriculum is to ensure that pupils:

· Develop confidence and accuracy in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish.

· Acquire and apply core vocabulary and grammar, enabling meaningful communication.

· Understand how language works and how to manipulate structures to express opinions, ideas and information.

· Develop awareness and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures and communities.

· Build transferable skills such as communication, literacy, problem-solving and cultural empathy.

· Recognise the value of languages for future study, careers and global opportunities.

The curriculum prepares pupils for success at GCSE Spanish and supports progression to further language study and employment pathways.

Curriculum Design and Sequencing

The Spanish curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge cumulatively, with frequent opportunities to revisit and retrieve prior learning.

Key Stage 3 Progression

· Pupils begin by learning foundational language, including personal information, family, descriptions, opinions and daily routines.

· Topics focus on identity, relationships, free time, school, local area and hobbies, enabling pupils to communicate about familiar contexts.

· Grammar is introduced progressively, including present, past and future tenses, adjective agreement, word order and high-frequency verbs.

· Pupils develop confidence in expressing opinions, giving reasons and comparing ideas.

· Cultural learning is embedded through exploration of traditions, festivals and daily life in Spanish-speaking countries.

Key Stage 4 Progression

· Pupils study GCSE themes including Identity and Relationships, Healthy Lifestyles, Education and Work, Travel and Tourism, Technology and The Environment.

· They learn to communicate about past, present and future events with increasing accuracy and complexity.

· Pupils explore social and global issues such as environmental responsibility, digital influences and healthy living.

· Cultural understanding is deepened through discussion of Spanish-speaking countries, customs and career opportunities.

· Structured exam preparation and revision ensure pupils are confident across all four assessment skills.

This sequencing supports progression from simple communication to extended, independent responses by the end of Key Stage 4.

Curriculum Implementation

The Spanish curriculum is implemented through:

· Explicit teaching of vocabulary and grammar, supported by modelling and guided practice.

· Regular opportunities for speaking and listening, including structured dialogue and spontaneous responses.

· Use of authentic and adapted texts to develop reading comprehension.

· Frequent retrieval practice to secure long-term memory.

· Ongoing formative assessment and feedback to improve accuracy and confidence.

· Summative assessments aligned with GCSE Spanish assessment objectives.

Teaching approaches are inclusive and supportive, ensuring all pupils can participate and succeed.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of the Spanish curriculum is demonstrated through:

· Pupils becoming confident, independent language learners.

· Secure application of vocabulary and grammar across all four skills.

· Improved cultural awareness and global understanding.

· Strong outcomes in GCSE Spanish.

· Pupils recognising languages as valuable for future education, employment and international engagement.

Pupils leave the Spanish curriculum equipped with communication skills and cultural knowledge that support success beyond school.

Accessibility and Inclusion

The Spanish curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible:

· Vocabulary and grammar are broken into clear, manageable steps.

· Visual supports, repetition and modelling support understanding.

· Structured speaking and writing frames build confidence.

· Opportunities for challenge and extension support higher-attaining pupils.

Through this inclusive approach, all pupils are supported to develop a positive relationship with Spanish and language learning.

Curriculum Map

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