Spanish
What is Spanish?
Spanish at Harris Academy Wimbledon is the study of the Spanish language alongside the culture of the different Spanish-speaking countries. In the world that we live in it is crucial that all students can learn a foreign language and are exposed to other cultures. Through learning Spanish, we promote students’ curiosity and understanding of the different countries, people, culture, history and beliefs of the Spanish-speaking world. I so doing, we challenge students to consider their own identity and place in the world and to appreciate and empathise with different ways of seeing life at the same time they can communicate effectively and comprehend the language.
Why do we teach Spanish at HAWI?
Through high-quality Spanish language education, we aim to stimulate students´ interest and deepen their knowledge of the world around them. The Harris Academy Wimbledon Spanish curriculum aims to equip students with powerful linguistic knowledge that allows them to become confident communicators to express their ideas and opinions, to seek information and to respond to speakers of the language. By developing students’ linguistic, communicative and intercultural skills, we strive to foster rounded individuals ready for lifelong language learning and entry into a global, more cooperative and more peaceful world. In addition to this, learning Spanish will provide the foundation for learning other languages, and will enable students to study and work in other countries and to have more career opportunities.
How do we teach Spanish at HAWI?
Our teachers are committed to develop our students’ linguistic knowledge through the ability to use language effectively for real purposes outside the classroom. Teaching is focused on developing the pupils’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on a foundation of core grammar and vocabulary. Our curriculum is taught using ‘Big Questions’ which students look to answer as their powerful linguistic knowledge develops through each lesson. These challenging enquiry questions are underpinned by three core themes. These are: Identity and culture, Local, national, international and global areas of interest and Current and future study and employment. These Themes are revisited throughout Key Stage 3, where students are encouraged to build a solid base of skills, language and attitudes, and they become increasingly complex and challenging as the curriculum progresses into Key Stage 4, where the application of more complex language and understanding of different structures are crucial for success.
Another essential part of Spanish teaching at Harris Academy Wimbledon is offering understandings of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries and encouraging positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of other languages. Each term, students learn about a new tradition, belief or custom in a Spanish-speaking country.
How do we make Spanish memorable at HAWI?
A rich extracurricular and cultural offer forms an integral part of our Spanish curriculum as we know what a significant impact this has upon student motivation, a key determiner of a child’s success in learning a language. Alongside Spanish lessons, we look to extend our students’ learning by offering many memorable moments which bring the subject to like. These include such a Year 10 trip to Granada, in the South of Spain, a play in Spanish for Year 9 and 8 and a Subject day, where students get immerse in the culture and get to cook their favourite Spanish recipe! Along with theses fantastic activities we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities such an optional enrichment lesson where students learn how to deliver a Spanish lesson and get to teach younger students at the end of the year and afterschool clubs where students use Spanish to listen to music, watch films and get to know more of the festivals in different countries. In addition, students are encouraged to take part in the multiple language competitions that we carry out during the year.
Please click here for Year 7 curriculum guide
Please click here for Year 8 curriculum guide
Please click here for Year 9 curriculum guide
Please click here for Year 10 curriculum guide
