CURRICULUM

Spanish

Head of Spanish – Miss R Jones
Teacher of Spanish – Mr L Best
Teacher of Spanish – Miss E Gregory
Teacher of Spanish – Miss P Cabana
Spanish Assistant – Miss M Essery

Intent

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
Frank Smith 

At Maghull High School, we believe in languages for all: irrespective of background or ability. Our rich and engaging curriculum empowers students to develop their linguistic competency and hone their interpersonal skills.

Through evidence-informed pedagogy, we foster competent and successful linguists who are confident speakers and unafraid to make mistakes. Language learning is enjoyable and we aim to motivate students to become life-long linguists.

Our curriculum is carefully structured and scaffolded to reduce demands on working memory to encourage creativity and enjoyment. We believe that teaching strategies which benefit learners with SEND will benefit all learners. We challenge assumptions linked to learners’ labels and provide learners with SEND the opportunity to thrive.

We endeavour to nurture our students’ curiosity and explore cultural differences. Students share our appreciation for Hispanic culture which is cultivated in an environment where students are tolerant and understanding of other cultures.  

Aspire in Languages 

Students: 

  • take responsibility for their learning
  • are independent note-takers
  • complete all work and homework
  • know about careers in languages and the transferrable skills gained through learning Spanish 

Achieve in Languages 

Students: 

  • can articulate themselves linguistically and are confident with key grammatical terms
  • develop leadership qualities
  • are confident linguists
  • are regularly challenged and experience success 

Enjoy Languages 

Students: 

  • embrace extra-curricular opportunities
  • share our passion for languages and are intrinsically motivated
  • understand the importance and relevance of learning Spanish
  • are tolerant and embrace other cultures 

Maghull High School Language students are nurtured by a dedicated and caring team of teachers who: 

  • have high expectations for all students and consistently apply the behaviour policy
  • have excellent subject knowledge and regularly review and update teaching resources
  • keep up to date with contemporary MFL pedagogy
  • teach grammar explicitly to equip students with the skills to fully express themselves
  • endeavor to provide high-quality extra-curricular opportunities
  • provide students with a calm and pleasant environment free from distractions  
  • regularly reward students for good behaviour and excellent work 
Domains and Concepts
Domains  Key Concepts 
Phonics 
  • Decoding sound–symbol correspondences (how different combinations of letters map to different sounds) 
Grammar 
  • Nouns, pronouns and determiners
  • Verbs
  • Tenses
  • Adjectives and adjectival phrases
  • Adverbs and adverbial phrases
  • Prepositions
  • Derivational morphology 

Vocabulary 

 

  • My personal world
  • Lifestyle and wellbeing
  • My neighbourhood 
  • Media and technology
  • Studying and my future
  • Travel and tourism 
Speaking
  • Read Aloud
  • Describing a photo
  • Role play  
Listening 
  • DictationListening comprehension 
Reading
  • Reading comprehension – respond in English 
Writing 
  • Open response, informal context 
  • Open response, formal context 
Translation 
  • Translation – English to Spanish 
  • Translation – Spanish to English 
Culture 
  • Develop an understanding and appreciation for Hispanic culture 

 

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3

All students study Spanish in Years 7, 8 and 9. Students have four lessons a fortnight and are taught in tutor groups (mixed ability). We teach Key Stage 3 using the EPI method. Homework is set weekly using sentencebuilders.com.

In Year 7 topics include:

  • Introduction to Spanish
  • Describing myself and others
  • Family
  • House
  • Town
  • Food

In Year 8 topics include:

  • School
  • Holidays
  • Sport
  • Technology
  • Music, TV and Film

In Year 9 topics include:

  • Holidays
  • Diet and Health
  • Free time
  • Careers and future studies
  • Environment
Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4

Spanish is an optional subject at Key Stage 4. Students are taught in mixed ability groups and have five hours a fortnight. We follow the Pearson Edexcel exam specification. Homework is set weekly.

In Year 10 topics include:

  • Free time
  • Holidays
  • Family
  • Lifestyle
  • School

In Year 11 topics include:

  • Town
  • Social and environmental issues
  • Future plans
  • Revision and exam preparation