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CURRICULUM INTENT
Our curriculum aims to develop confident and capable Spanish and speakers, equipping students of all abilities with the skills to communicate effectively in diverse contexts. Through a balanced focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students enhance their language proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of Spanish speaking cultures. This course also prepares students for future academic and career success, with
language learning highly regarded by universities and employers.
THE AVANTI WAY
In the Modern Foreign Languages department, we develop The Avanti Way by promoting:
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We provide high-quality language instruction, helping students of all abilities excel in speaking, listening, reading, and writing by creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. We
emphasize accuracy, fluency, and cultural understanding through immersive activities, real-life contexts, and modern technologies. Our curriculum fosters confidence and fluency while deepening cultural understanding.
CHARACTER FORMATION
Through language learning, students develop resilience and teamwork through collaboration through group projects, debates, and dialogues. They gain respect for different cultures and grow as compassionate, open-minded individuals. This fosters an appreciation for different worldviews and encourages students to become global citizens.
SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
We encourage reflection on personal values and the role of language in connecting people. Students explore diverse worldviews, fostering a deeper appreciation of how language connects people and builds bridges across cultures.
This approach prepares students for academic success, personal growth and a strong sense of global responsibility.
PROGRAMME OF STUDY
Order and timing of topics throughout KS5 for Spanish:
This is a course which enables students to further develop their linguistic skills and gain a high level of confidence and ability in Spanish. Students study technological and social changes, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. They learn about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Hispanic world and explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities.
Students will study a text and a film and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.
Year 12
Autumn Term 1
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General GCSE Grammar revision & Intro to:
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Module 1 El cambio de la estructura familiar (Traditional and modern family values)
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Module 2 El ciberespacio (The world of technology)
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Students start the A level course by learning how Spanish families live and issues affecting them such as long working hours and low birth rate as well as a greater exposure to technology.
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PIP1 - Baseline
Autumn Term 2
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Module 1 El cambio de la estructura familiar (Traditional and modern family values) & Module 2 El ciberespacio (The world of technology)
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Students consolidate their knowledge on the topics and start creating a fact file of important facts discussed in class
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PIP1 - Baseline: Written assessment on main GCSE grammar as well as a Reading and Listening Exam on Module 1
Spring Term 1
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Module 3 La igualdad de sexos (Women equality) & Module 4 Los ídolos (idols) + Literature Book study -Como Agua para Chocolate
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Students learn about Fanco and the development of women’s’ rights since then. They also learn about Hispanic artists, singers, actors, and celebrities and discuss whether they are positive or negative role models in Hispanic society
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Mid-year class assessment + speaking exam
Spring Term 2
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Module 5 La identidad Regional (Regional Identity) & Film study -Laberinto del Fauno
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Students learn about the Spanish map and how it is politically divided, Hispanic customs, languages, and beliefs. They also investigate the main important heritage which still exists today and is appreciated by the whole world.
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Mid-year class assessment + speaking exam
Summer Term 1
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Module 6 El Patrimonio Cultural (Cultural heritage)
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Students discover the importance of pre-Hispanic civilizations as well as learn to admire its architecture, heritage, and art.
Summer Term 2
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Introduction to Module 1 A2 & Consolidation of Paper 2 Literature works (novel Como Agua para chocolate & Laberinto del fauno film)
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PIP2: Listening and Reading exams on all topics covered to date as well as a Speaking IRP (Individual research project) mock text on a different topic to the one chosen for the real exam to provide feedback on research and presentation skills.
Year 13
Autumn Term 1
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Modules 1 La inmigración (Immigration) & Module 2 EL racismo (Racism)
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Students learn about issues affecting the Hispanic world about immigration and racism and how to possibly solve these issues and create more equal societies.
Autumn Term 2
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Modules 3 La Convivencia (the challenges of a multicultural society) & Module 5 Monarquíás y Dictaduras (Monarchies & dictatorships)
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Building on from the knowledge gained in their AS course, students get further insights about the Civil way and about other dictators in the Hispanic worlds. They also learn how different religions have coexisted in Hispanic countries in the past and the issues that arise today that make this coexistence difficult.
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PIP1 (November Mock) Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Mock exams in Spanish on topics taught to date Review of progress made by data analysis
Spring Term 1
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Modules 4 Jóvenes (Young people of today) & Module 6 Movimientos Populares (popular movements)
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Students research different youth movements to raise awareness and make changes in Hispanic societies. They also learn about the role of the Monarchy in Spain.
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PIP2 (March Mock) Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Mock exams in Spanish Review of progress made by data analysis
Spring Term 2
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Exams
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The AQA A LEVEL SPANISH course is a 2-year linear course which consists of two externally examined papers (Paper 1 Listening, Reading and Translation and Paper 2 Literature written paper) and one speaking exam conducted internally in school by class teachers but marked externally.
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing - 100 marks and 50% of A-level
• Listening and responding to spoken passages from a range of contexts and sources covering different registers and adapted as necessary.
• Reading and responding to a variety of texts written for different purposes, drawn from a range of authentic sources, and adapted as necessary.
• Translation into English; a passage of minimum 100 words (10 marks)
• Translation into Spanish; a passage of minimum 100 words (10 marks).
Paper 2: Writing Exam- 80 marks and 20% of A level
• Students need to write 2 essays on a book or film from the list set in the specification
Paper 3: Speaking Exam (16-18 minutes + 5 min prep time)- 60 marks and 30% of A level
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Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5–6 minutes). The student studies the card for 5 minutes at the start of the test (25 marks).
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Presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9–10 minutes) of individual research project (35 marks).
HOW PARENETS CAN HELP
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Vocabulary and Grammar Practice: Encourage your child to spend 30 minutes daily on Quizlet (free online flashcard website) using the topical Quizlet links provided to review vocabulary and grammar.
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Vocabulary Testing: Help by testing your child’s vocabulary, asking them to translate words from English to the target language.
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Cultural Exposure: Enhance their language skills by watching European films with subtitles, listening to Spanish music, or exploring Spanish markets, restaurants, and landmarks.
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Cultural Activities: Engage in activities that increase your child’s understanding of the language’s culture, like for example discussing festivals, current affairs or traditions affecting Hispanic speaking countries, as this will boost their learning and curiosity.
HOME LEARNING & ONLINE RESOURCE
Spanish News
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www.euronews.net : Select language ‘español’ and then choose from a wide variety of news videos.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
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A Level Spanish Clubs: The MFL department offers regular lunchtime and after-school cultural clubs to help students build cultural and grammatical knowledge.
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Cultural Celebrations: Each year, we celebrate European Languages Day and Bastille Day with engaging whole-school quizzes, guest speakers, and various competitions. We also host regular quizzes and awards to recognize students’ achievements.
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Interactive Experiences: The department organizes interactive MFL theatre plays and provides opportunities for students to participate in competitions hosted by the British Language Champions Association and attend conferences.
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Cultural trips and events: Students can enrich their language experience by participating in Languages Symposiums
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Careers Studying a language at A level not only enriches your academic profile but also opens doors to diverse career and university pathways. It enhances your application for courses like Modern Languages, International Relations, and Global Business. Proficiency in a foreign language is highly valued by employers, as it demonstrates strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and adaptability, leading to opportunities in
fields such as diplomacy, translation, and international business. This strong foundation can set you up for a successful and versatile career and is highly regarded by prestigious universities such as Oxford or Cambridge.
