Spanish

In Spanish, 51% of our most recent GCSE students achieved a top grade of 9-7 (A*-A), and 98% achieved a grade 4 or higher. Many of our high scoring pupils are now continuing their language studies at A Level.

Our A Level Spanish results are consistently ambitious with a consistent 100% pass rate, and 33% of our students achieving a grade A*-A and 50% A*B grades over the last 3 years. 71% of students in our most recent cohort achieved a grade A*-C in 2024.

At Key Stage 3, we follow the ‘Viva’ course. Teaching is dynamic and lively, and staff use a variety of activities and approaches to best teach the four skills required in a language classroom: listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

Year 7 enjoy a 6-7 week introductory Spanish course. They then choose the two languages they would like to learn from January, with 4 periods of each language per fortnight. Years 8 and 9 pupils receive 5 periods of teaching in each language per fortnight. Class sizes vary from 15 – 25. 

At Key Stage 4, the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE specification is followed. The skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are assessed in a Reading and Writing exam, a Listening exam and a Speaking exam towards the end of Year 11. The topics covered are lively and interesting and include aspects of the Hispanic world which pupils find exciting. In Years 10 and 11, pupils receive 6 periods of Spanish teaching per cycle and approximately 2 hours of homework. 

All pupils in Years 10 and 11 benefit from the help of a native speaking Spanish Assistant who is familiar with the examination content. Support sessions and extra clinics where needed are available from the dedicated subject teachers. 

At A Level, the AQA course is followed. In Years 12 and 13, pupils receive 12 periods of teaching per fortnight. The class sizes do not exceed single figures to ensure that pupils receive the right level of individual attention. All A Level pupils benefit from at least one hour per fortnight of timetabled conversation practice with the Spanish Assistant. 

At A Level, the topics covered include Aspects of Spanish-speaking society: current trends; current issues; artistic culture in the Spanish-speaking world; and aspects of political life in the Spanish- speaking world. All examinations are taken at the end of Year 13. The examination consists of a speaking exam and two written papers; Paper 1 covers listening, reading and writing and Paper 2 is an essay paper based on the study of a Spanish book and a film. The speaking examination lasts about 20 minutes in total and includes a presentation based on an individual research project. For the Sixth Form, we recommended a minimum of Grade 7 at GCSE level to embark on Spanish at this level, although pupils achieving a Grade 6 at GCSE Spanish may be considered on an individual basis.

At Key Stage 3, all pupils are assessed each half-term. Pupil progress is closely monitored, appropriate targets for improvement are set with guidance given and regular feedback is given to parents.

At Key Stage 4, pupils are monitored and assessed at the end of each term. Targets are set regularly and support is offered and put in place. Summer end of year examinations are taken at the end of Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Public exams (iGCSE and A Level examinations) are taken in Years 11 and 13.

There are many enrichment opportunities available to Spanish pupils at King’s. At KS3, pupils are invited to attend a half termly Spanish event lead by each of our Spanish-speaking staff members. Additional enrichment activities run throughout the year to celebrate such events as European Day of Languages and El Día de Los Muertos, as well as the national competitions. For example, we have previously had many entries to the Oxford MFL Short Story Competition. At KS4, pupils are encouraged to attend Spanish Clinic to boost and enhance their knowledge in preparation for iGCSE. We run a trip to Cadiz and Seville every two years, which is very popular for pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4. Pupils take part in activities ranging from flamenco dancing to market trips, all led in Spanish by the native Spanish assistants who work there. The centre is located close to the beach and offers many exciting opportunities for our pupils.  

At KS5, there are various opportunities to contribute to the Spanish department and benefit from extra-curricular activities such as study days at nearby universities, trip opportunities, most recently to Málaga, and prestigious competitions such as the annual North Schools MFL Debating Competition. Our Spanish Assistant also runs an A Level lunchtime club “Sobremesa”, where Spanish culture and recent news are discussed in a friendly environment. 

Across all Key Stages, there are opportunities to compete in national level competitions which may involve creative writing in Spanish, translation of texts and students may even try their hand at linguistics in the annual UK Linguistics Olympiad. 

The range of combined degrees, further education courses and careers involving a language is limitless. The skills acquired though language study are transferable and highly sought after by employers. In terms of Spanish, opportunities extend throughout Central and South America, as well as Europe. Many universities even offer funding for students to continue or extend their language knowledge by travelling or working abroad during the holidays.