Spanish is a vibrant and highly valued part of our thriving Languages Department, led by specialist teachers who combine subject expertise with a genuine passion for Spanish and Latin American culture, both in and beyond the classroom.
In Spanish, students engage with the world’s second most widely spoken native language through a rich blend of interactive classroom discussion, authentic audio materials and carefully selected digital resources. Our curriculum is structured around the three core pillars of language learning — grammar, phonics and vocabulary. In recent years, we have drawn on modern pedagogical thinking in language education to ensure learning is carefully sequenced and embedded, enabling students to feel secure and confident across all four key skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. From the earliest stages, lessons aim to develop accurate communication, strong pronunciation and growing independence in the language.
In Year 7, students study two languages from French, German and Spanish, with three lessons per fortnight in each. This dual-language model allows students to broaden their linguistic experience and develop strong foundations in more than one modern foreign language.
In Year 8 and 9, students may either continue with the two modern languages studied in Year 7 or opt to begin Latin, continuing with one modern foreign language alongside it. This flexible pathway allows students to tailor their linguistic studies while continuing to develop depth and confidence.
At Key Stage 4, students may choose to study one or more languages, reflecting both our commitment to linguistic excellence and the diverse interests of our pupils. Italian is also available as an additional option for particularly enthusiastic linguists. In the Sixth Form, we offer A Level courses in Spanish, French and German, enabling students to pursue advanced linguistic and cultural study.
A particular strength of our department is our Spanish language assistant, who works with us for six months each year. The assistant leads small-group speaking sessions across all key stages, helping students develop fluency, spontaneity and authentic pronunciation, and also runs extra-curricular cultural sessions exploring life in the Spanish-speaking world.
We actively encourage our Spanish students to immerse themselves in the cultures of Spain and Latin America. This is supported through a popular Year 9 visit to Andalucía, offering valuable opportunities to experience the language beyond the classroom and to build confidence in real-world contexts.
examination results
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-7
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-6
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-4