Spanish is offered as an IGCSE, a linear qualification with examinations taken at the end of a two-year course. This course allows students to develop their language competence in the four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing), each skill being worth 25% of the final mark.

Pupils at IGCSE level are expected to understand the main points of familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. and can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where Spanish is spoken. They can produce simple, connected texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest, and can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Pupils will be expected to communicate informally in a range of contexts, and to understand a wide range of texts and styles.

The course is articulated around five core themes, which lend themselves to studying Spanish language and culture in greater depth, as well as enhancing skills in the various components forming the final assessment:

• Home and abroad
• Education and employment
• Personal life and relationships
• The world around us
• Social activities, fitness and health

The course is a good way to gain knowledge and understanding of countries and communities where Spanish is spoken; to develop positive attitudes towards modern foreign language learning; and a good foundation for further study of the Spanish language.

Examination Board: Edexcel
Specification: 4SP1

Mrs N. Wiltshire – Head of Spanish