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Spanish

Spanish is one of the world’s major languages, and it is the official language of most of South and Central America. It is increasingly widely spoken in North America also and is becoming invaluable in a business context. It is a thriving and popular language at Clifton.

Head of Spanish
Miss Michelle Harris BA
Teachers
Mr Llewelin Siddons MA Mr Bobby Trivic BA Miss Laura Davies BA
Teaching Assistant
María Pilar Andreu

Teaching

Pupils may begin learning Spanish “ab initio” in the Third Form, although the majority have already completed a year’s study. We use a variety of textbook courses, according to the needs and abilities of our pupils – ¡Arriba!, ¡Listos! and Caminos are popular. This is also supplemented by further reading and listening exercises, and pupils are encouraged regularly to use our Sony digital language laboratory, where they may practise listening exercises individually, record oral presentations and speak in pairs.

For GCSE level, pupils become increasingly confident at communicating in Spanish, and the focus is also on developing sharper written language skills. By the time of the exams at the end of the Fifth Form, most pupils are able to discuss environmental issues, careers and future plans, and some topical current affairs issues.

The Sixth Form

Topics covered at AS and A2 level are varied, allowing pupils to learn extensively about the life, politics, culture and current affairs of the Hispanic world. Topics may include a study of an artist, for example Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera; cinema and a famous director, for example Pedro Almodóvar; the environment and politics. Pupils are encouraged to debate and discuss issues in Spanish in class, and to develop their own opinions and thoughts. By the end of the U6, most pupils are confident speakers of Spanish and are able to communicate effectively on paper also, having completed a long piece of coursework and learnt to write and translate business letters.

Teaching is normally divided between two class teachers, and all pupils have a one-to-one conversation each week with the assistant. We have recently been very successful with our Oxbridge candidates, with both of this year’s applicants winning places.

Trips and Activities

• We have a long-standing and very successful link with a state school in Mexico City, with whom we have organised an exchange over the last 20 years or so. Pupils in the L6 have the opportunity of spending 2 or 3 weeks with a family in this vibrant and exciting city, and many pupils return as GAP year students to help at the school. We are currently investigating new links with schools in Spain in order to establish an exchange for lower school pupils.
• In addition to this, the department shows a wide range of Spanish and Latin American films.
• Trips to art galleries to explore painting and art more generally.
• A Spanish lunch for all AS/A2 pupils of Spanish, where pupils and staff eat together and speak exclusively in Spanish.
• Sixth Form debates against teams from Badminton School.

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