Level
The Spanish Curriculum follows the The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. Students will be prepared to take the official DELE escolar A2/B1 or SIELE exam from Instituto Cervantes, which is the official Spanish Language and Cultural centre. The DELE examinations have been designed following the guidelines of the CEFR.
Textbook references
Year 8: Gente Joven 1 (A1)
Year 9: Gente Joven 2 (A2)
Year 10: Gente Joven 3 (A2+)
Year 11: Gente Joven 4 (B1.1)
Year 12 OIB: Buena Onda Espagnol 1er 2019-Manuel élève
Year 12 IB: Oxford University Press Spanish B
Year 13 OIB: Pura vida Cycle Terminal
Year 13 IB: Oxford University Press Spanish BAdapted/graded and authentic books will also be chosen during the year to encourage reading in Spanish at all levels.
Timetabling
Years 8 to 11 and 12 OIB three 45 minute periods per week. Year 12 IB, 13 OIB/French Bac and 13 IB four 45 minute periods per week.
Course Objectives
Students will develop their language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) as well as content knowledge about Hispanic cultures, intercultural competence and critical thinking skills.
The course is designed to ensure that students:
- understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
- speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity
- write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using language effectively
- discover and develop an appreciation for the language and its culture
Teaching strategies
The lessons will be taught in Spanish by native speakers (with some use of English at early stages) and will offer a wide range of activities on language, conversation, culture and society. The lessons will be based on individual, group work, cooperative learning and role-play. The communicative approach will be used in the classroom providing multiple opportunities for students to become confident and cross-culturally savvy users of Spanish. Students will also be offered guidance in self-study and learning strategies.
Multimedia Teaching Aids
Educational and cultural videos, Campus Difusión, Spanish music, blogs, podcasts and online activities.
Assessment
Formative: Mini quizzes on vocabulary and grammar. Oral assessment through daily activities and oral presentations in the classroom. Writing, reading and listening comprehension assessment through daily classwork and homework.
Summative: two exams per year during the ‘composition groupée’.
Suggested Learning Strategies
Watching educational videos, series or films, reading books in Spanish and listening to Spanish music and podcasts is encouraged. Regular revision with quizlet, profedeele or other interactive tools is essential.
Average weekly home study time
Homework will be set weekly (an average of 30 min for Middle School and 45 min for Upper School). A variety of activities from Gente Joven Student Book, mini projects, audiovisual, interactive exercises or studying time is set regularly. Students usually are given a week to complete their work.