modern languages
Subject Overview
All KS3 students study Spanish when they join OBA, it is then an option subject for GCSE and A Level. This year, we are excited to welcome the French language back to the academy. We currently have two Year 7 classes studying French as well as Spanish.
Learning another language enables you to gain appreciation and awareness of different cultures. At OBA students develop their knowledge of the language through learning a range of vocabulary and grammar structures across a wide variety of topics. From KS3 through to KS5 students gain desirable skills that will well equip them for future study or job opportunities, such as communication, working as part of a team and problem solving.
| Staff | Staff Title |
|---|---|
| Mrs McMaster | Head of Languages |
|
Mr Wynne Miss Clémenҫon |
Teacher of Spanish Teacher of Spanish and French |
Facilities and opportunities
The department subscribes to lots of online language learning websites, such as Activelearn, Linguascope, Active Teach and Dynamic Learning.
We plan an annual trip to Spain, open to years 8-10 which develops students’ cultural awareness of the country, as well as enables them to practice their language skills. In the past we have visited Madrid, Barcelona, Granada and Málaga!
KS5 students have the opportunity to spend time in Spain practising their speaking skills in an authentic setting. Students have the choice to stay with a Spanish family, attend a local language school or complete work experience in a career area of their choice.
Spanish KS3 learning journey
Year 7 Curriculum:
- The basics: personal info, numbers, months, colours & pets
- Hobbies and weather
- School life
- Describing family and friends
- My city and telling the time
Year 8 Curriculum:
- Free time and technology
- Making plans to go out
- Holidays
- Food and drink
- My home
Year 9 Curriculum:
- My interests
- Staying in shape and healthy lifestyles
- Travel
- Jobs and future plans
- Describing my world
- ‘Bridging unit’ Preparing for GCSE
French KS3 learning journey
Year 7 Curriculum:
- The basics: Introductions, siblings, likes/dislike and colours.
- School
- Free Time and Weather
- My Family
Spanish KS4 learning journey
Students study the two-year GCSE course. We study a variety of themes and topics across the two years, while working on our listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
- Identity and Culture:Family life, Personal interests, Daily life, Festivals and Celebrations
- Local area, holiday and travel: Holiday destinations, Accommodation, Activities, Weather, Places to see, Things to do.
- School: School day, School rules, Pressures, School trips
- Future aspirations, Study and Work: Travel, Employment, Further studies, Volunteering, Careers and professions.
International and Global Dimensions: Sporting events, Music events, Global issues and The environment
All four skills are assessed equally in exams at the end of Y11. 25% listening, 25% speaking, 25% reading and 25% writing.
Spanish KS5 learning journey
Students study the two-year A level course and are assessed at the end of Year 13 in listening, reading and translation, speaking and essay writing.
During the course students spend the first term recapping and learning the essential grammar tenses and structures required for the A level course. We then learn about current affairs and historical events in Spain and Latin America, as well as studying a film and a novel in the target language.
- Social Issues and Trends:Traditional and Modern Values, Cyberspace, Equal Rights for women and LGBTQ, Immigration, Racism, Coexistence and integration.
- Political and Artistic Culture: Influence of Idols, Regional Identity, Cultural Heritage, Monarchies, Republics and Dictatorships, Social movements and Young people in Spain and Latin America.
- Film study:El Laberinto del Fauno.
- Literature study:La casa de Bernarda Alba.
Enrichment
Y7 and Y8 Spelling Bee – Practice and compete in our annual Spanish Spelling Bee in front of your friends and family. We have prizes for the participants. See Miss Clémenҫon for more details.
Y9 and Y10 Film Club – Watch popular Spanish and French films with your friends after school while trying some French and Spanish food. See Mrs McMaster for more details.
Year 11 GCSE revision enrichment - Takes place weekly with your Spanish teacher.
Primary – The language department takes part in the ‘Round The World’ Saturday enrichments offered to local primary school students.
Support
Regular catch up and revision sessions are planned for KS4 and KS5 student throughout the year, including late night, weekend and half term.
