KS5 Subject: Spanish

What topics will you study in KS5 Spanish?

  • Aspects of Hispanic society: Modern and traditional values (Los valores tradicionales y modernos), Cyberspace (El ciberespacio) and Equal rights (La igualdad de los sexos)
  • Multiculturalism in Hispanic society: Immigration (La inmigración), Racism (El racismo) and Integration (La convivencia)
  • Artistic culture in the Hispanic world: Modern day idols (La influencia de los ídolos), Spanish regional identity (La identidad regional en España), Cultural heritage (El patrimonio cultural)
  • Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world: Today's youth, tomorrow's citizens (Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos del mañana), Monarchies and dictatorships (Monarquías y dictaduras) and Popular movements (Movimientos populares)
  • Play: Federico García Lorca La casa de Bernarda Alba
  • Film: El laberinto del fauno Guillermo del Toro (2006)

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

  • Harry Potter (in Spanish) by J.K Rowling
  • La ladrona de libros by Markus Zusak
  • El Principito, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Matar a un ruiseñor by Harper Lee
  • Persépolis by Marjane Strapi
  • El extranjero by Albert Camus
  • Cumbres borrascosas by Emily Bronte
  • Las ventajas de ser un marginado by Stephen Chbosky
  • Bajo la misma estrella by John Green
  • El libro de los rostros by Ana Alonso
  • Memorias de Idhún by Laura Gallego
  • Como agua para chocolate by Laura Esquivel
  • Amnesia by José Luis Ocasar Ariza

How will you be assessed during the course?

At KS5, students are assessed three times per year during the DPR assessment periods. These assessments will cover topics and grammar studied from Year 12 through to the end of Year 13.

In addition, students will complete regular grammar and vocabulary tests set as part of their homework to consolidate their learning. They will also take part in regular formative assessment tasks, including Paper 1 unit assessments, speaking cards, and grammar-focused activities, to monitor progress and prepare for the final exams.

Students will also develop their Independent Research Project (IRP), which forms part of their speaking assessment. For this project, they will choose and research a topic related to a Spanish-speaking country, demonstrating both linguistic ability and cultural understanding.

How can you help your child excel in this subject?

You can support your child by ensuring they complete all homework and independent learning tasks to the best of their ability. Encourage them to plan their study time effectively, stay organised, and meet deadlines, as consistent effort and time management are key to success at this level.

Regularly test them on key grammar and vocabulary set for homework using the “look, cover, write, check” method, and encourage the use of Quizlet, a digital study tool that uses flashcards and quizzes to help recall vocabulary and grammar. On Quizlet, students can access lists linked to their knowledge organisers and the topics studied in lessons.

To deepen their understanding, encourage your child to listen to Spanish music or podcasts, watch Spanish films or TV shows with subtitles, and read articles or stories in Spanish. They should also keep up to date with current events in Spanish-speaking countries and develop a natural curiosity about the language, culture, and global issues affecting the Spanish-speaking world.