Spanish
GCSE Spanish
Pupils must submit two formal speaking assessments (carried out with their teacher) and two formal written assessments, which are assessed by the exam board.
Additionally, pupils undertake reading and listening exams. The two units account for 20% of the overall mark, while speaking and writing each account for 30%.
Spanish in the Sixth Form
Spanish at Millfield is an unrivalled opportunity to gain an insight into a language and a culture that is at the heart of Europe and the world.
Spain has increasingly become a major player in European business and with Banco de Santander now a key provider of UK financial services, business and economic links between the two countries have never been stronger. Coupled with the explosive growth of Spanish influence in the fashion world following the unprecedented success of Inditex, the company behind brands such as Zara and Bershka, it is clear that the ability to speak Spanish is no longer simply a ticket to a job in the sun.
However Spanish is not merely a vocational subject. The influence of Spanish culture on contemporary society is huge and studying the language in the Sixth Form presents the opportunity to explore this in greater detail. In Picasso, Dalí, Gaudi and El Greco, Spain has given us some of the world's greatest artists. Pedro Almodóvar, Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas continue to ensure that Spain is well represented in world cinema.
Beyond Spain, the Spanish language unites 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Every country is unique and, increasingly, Latin America is the number one destination for young people in search of a life-changing travel experience either before or after university. There can be no doubt that communication with local people will not only make these journeys smoother but also enrich the traveller who can encounter and begin to understand the lives of people living in a very different world.
At Millfield we are blessed with staff who have been born and raised in different areas of Spain as well as native English speakers who have had their lives changed by their time in Spain and Latin America. We are united by our desire to provide our students with similar opportunities to experience the passion and warmth of the Spanish speaking world.
Spanish A-Level
The step up from GCSE sees students develop a greater understanding of Spanish and its nuances, literature and culture. More rigorous in approach, the courses develop a deeper grasp of the language’s grammar and vocabulary.
Pupils take greater responsibility for their progress, particularly through regular extra-curricular listening and reading in the target language outside lessons.
AS-Level
Practically every key grammar issue is covered in this course. Topics covered include:
• Media – TV, advertising, communication technology
• Popular culture – cinema,
• Music
• Fashion
• Healthy living and lifestyle
• Family relationships & friendships,
• Partnerships/marriages
A2-Level
The grammar covered at AS-Level is reinforced to improve accuracy and fluency.
A2 topics include:
• Environment – pollution, energy and protecting the planet
• Multi-cultural society – immigration, racism and integration
• Contemporary social issues – wealth and poverty,
• Law and order
• Scientific and technological advance.
Additionally, pupils study a cultural topic chosen by the tutor. This could include a:
• Region/community
• Period of 20th century history
• Novelist/dramatist/poet
• Director
• Architect
• Musician
• Painter