Spanish-KS3-KS4-Curriculum-Overview-2022-2023.pdf

The MFL curriculum is carefully sequenced to enable students to build knowledge and skills progressively over time. At Key Stage 3, teaching is underpinned by a structured, research-informed approach, drawing on the principles of Gianfranco Conti’s methodology (MARSEARS). This ensures that new language is introduced in a clear and accessible way, before being practised, recycled and embedded through a range of meaningful activities.

Lessons prioritise high-quality input, with a strong focus on phonics, vocabulary and grammar. Students develop their understanding through listening and reading, which provide the foundation for accurate and confident speaking and writing. Teachers provide modelling and scaffolding to support all learners, while also offering appropriate challenge to enable students to extend and manipulate language with increasing independence.

Retrieval practice is embedded throughout the curriculum. Previously taught language is regularly revisited through lesson activities, homework and low-stakes assessment, supporting long-term retention and fluency. Students are expected to learn and recall key vocabulary and structures, enabling them to communicate more effectively over time.

Cultural understanding is integrated across the curriculum. Students are exposed to authentic materials, including literary texts and media, and explore real-life contexts to deepen their appreciation of the target language and its speakers. This helps to develop their cultural awareness and supports their role as informed global citizens.

The impact of the MFL curriculum is measured through a combination of formative and summative assessment, enabling teachers to monitor progress and address gaps in knowledge. As a result of the carefully sequenced curriculum, students develop secure knowledge of phonics, vocabulary and grammar, which supports their ability to communicate with increasing accuracy and confidence in the target language.

Students demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to spoken and written language, and to express their ideas across a range of contexts. Over time, they show improved fluency and a growing ability to manipulate language independently.

Students also develop greater cultural awareness and curiosity about the wider world, with the ability to make connections between languages and cultures.

Outcomes at Key Stage 4 reflect students’ progress in language learning, and the curriculum is regularly reviewed and refined to ensure it continues to meet the needs of all learners and supports strong progress over time.

Spanish-Learning-Journey.pdf

Syllabus specification:
Spanish (8698)

Students also have the opportunity to take a GCSE in a Heritage Language where appropriate.

Why study Spanish?

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used across Europe, Latin America and parts of the United States. It is also a highly phonetic language, which supports learners in developing accurate pronunciation and reading skills.

Studying Spanish provides students with a nationally recognised qualification, while also developing valuable communication skills and cultural understanding. In an increasingly global society, the ability to speak another language enhances opportunities for further study, travel and employment.

The Course

We follow the AQA linear GCSE course, with four final examinations at the end of Year 11. Each skill area is assessed equally:

• Listening (25%)
• Reading (25%)
• Speaking (25%)
• Writing (25%)

The course builds on the foundations established at Key Stage 3, revisiting key language and developing greater depth, accuracy and independence. Students study three main themes:

• Identity and culture
• Local, national, international and global areas of interest
• Current and future study and employment

Progression

Spanish can be studied further at A-Level and beyond. Language qualifications support a wide range of future pathways, including university courses, apprenticeships and careers that involve international communication.

We aim to support all students in achieving success at GCSE. While prior attainment in languages can support progress, entry to the course is considered on an individual basis, taking into account each student’s experience, motivation and potential.

Heritage Language GCSE

We are proud to offer students the opportunity to gain a GCSE qualification in their Heritage Language. This pathway enables students who already have knowledge of another language, through their family or cultural background, to develop their skills further and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

Students are supported throughout the process with targeted guidance on exam skills, including preparation for reading, writing, listening and speaking assessments. In addition, students receive dedicated support for the speaking examination, including two preparation sessions with a specialist tutor.

A range of resources is provided to support independent study at home, helping students to build confidence, accuracy and fluency in their language.

We can support entries for a range of GCSE languages through examination boards such as AQA and Edexcel, including:

• Arabic
• Bengali
• Chinese (Mandarin) 
• Chinese (Cantonese) 
• French
• German
• Greek
• Gujarati
• Hebrew
• Italian
• Japanese
• Panjabi
• Persian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Urdu

This opportunity allows students to celebrate and strengthen their linguistic and cultural identity, while also enhancing their academic profile and future opportunities.

For more information, please contact Mrs. L. Lister - Head of Modern Foreign Languages - llister@archbishops.kent.sch.uk