What will I learn?

Through studying this course, you will develop the following:

  • International-mindedness;
  • Communication in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes;
  • An awareness and appreciation of a variety of perspectives of people from diverse cultures;
  • An awareness of the importance of language in relation to other areas of knowledge;
  • Opportunities for intellectual engagement and critical- and creative-thinking skills;
  • A curiosity, creativity and a lifelong enjoyment of language learning.

What is the structure of the course?

Identities

Explore the nature of the self and what it is to be human.

Experiences

Explore and tell the stories of the events, experiences and journeys that shape our lives.

Human ingenuity

Explore the ways in which human creativity and innovation affect our world.

Social organisation 

Explore the ways in which groups of people organise themselves, or are organised, through common systems or interests.

Sharing the planet

Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals and communities in the modern world.

How will I be assessed?

Weighting

Assessment

External (75%)

Paper 1: One writing task from a choice of three – 30 marks

Paper 2: Listening – 25 marks, Reading – 40 marks

Internal (25%)

Individual oral assessment 30 marks

The assessment outlines for Standard Level and Higher Level are identical; it is the nature of the assessment that differs. For example, for Paper 1 in Higher Level, the tasks set will require more complex language and structures and demand higher-order thinking skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which CAS opportunities are available?
There will be a range of clubs and extracurricular opportunities, such as Film Club, Literature Club and Cultural Studies. There will also be an opportunity to travel to a Spanish speaking country to explore the diversity of the cultures of Hispanic origin.

Which opportunities for further study are available?
Spanish IB will prepare you for any course at University and any career, as you will develop strong communication skills which are necessary in our global world. Possible careers include: International, Business, International Law, Government, Foreign Service, Tourism, Media, Communications, Secondary/ Primary Education, Translation and Interpretation and Journalism.

Is there anything else I need to know?

  • Spanish is the second most spoken language by native speakers in the world, with more than 400 million Spanish speakers in 21 countries.
  • Spanish has emerged as the most important language for the UK in an analysis made by the British Council.
  • Spanish can be used as a ‘gateway’ to learn other languages. Being a Romance language, it has many similarities to other European languages such as Italian, French and Portuguese.
  • With an ever increasing presence in the global market, emerging economies in the Americas mean that the chance of work and business opportunities from Spanish knowledge (whether working directly for or dealing with such companies) is increasing. 
  • Knowing the local language can greatly enhance one’s experience, allowing them a greater understanding and appreciation of culture, history and the physical environment.
Back to ks5 curriculum

Curriculum map

Topics / Units

  • Tema 1 – LA ORGANIZACION SOCIAL
  • U1- La organizacion social
  • U2 La educacion y el ocio
  • U3- La ley y el orden

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • They have a clear understanding of the basics of the language and the grammar
  • Correct formation of verbs, ends of adjectives and word order
  • Students will understand the political organization of Spain and Latinoamerica
  • They will learn to write a formal, informal letter, a booklet and a blog
  • They will learn how to use the verbs in the Present, present subjunctive and in the Future

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Students will be able to recognise the difference between a monarchy and a republic
  • They will also be able to recognise some of the cultural differences between LatinoAmerican countries and spain
  • Students will be able to read in detail to answer questions and be able to write confidently letters, booklets and blogs
  • They will be able to recognise different family groups according to their history and traditions
  • They should also be able to provide an informed opinion of how education contributes to the communities social groups live in.

Links to TOK

  • How to use education to ‘change improve the world around them.and the role of the law in different societies.

Links to Assessment

Writing & reading

Topics / Units

Literature Spanish B – ‘Como Agua para Chocolate’ Laura Esquivel

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • Introduction to Mexican revolution and the context for the novel.
  • Introduction to Magical realising and the relevance in Latin American literature.
  • Understanding the context of the novel, how it links with the units studied in the course.
  • Introduction of the oral presentation / the marking scheme and how it links to the presentation they will need to prepare at the end of the course

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Students should be able to read independently the novel checking vocab for understanding.
  • At the end of each chapter we will have a lesson to discuss the key points of the chapter making links to the units they are currently studying in lessons.

Links to TOK

  • Understanding the history and the family relationships in Mexico at the beginning of the century.
  • Questioning how this link to the Latino-American culture and the role of the woman in the families. Also to reflect on the different conflicts that shaped the Latino-America of the XX century and how it has impacted on the lifestyle of people today.

Links to Assessment

  • Listening & speaking

Topics / Units

  • Tema 2- EXPERIENCIAS
  • U4 El ocio y las vacaciones
  • U5 Historias de vida

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • The principal objective is to explore how experiences, events and travelling can shape our lives
  • Students will learn:
    • How to write a diary
    • Understanding authentic spoken language.
    • Grammar
  • They will know Passive and Imperative voices for their writings
  • The verb to be (SER O ESTAR)
  • The preterite tense
  • The use of adjectives.

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Students will be able to create a diary and a list of instructions.
  • They revisit writing a blog, and an informal and formal letter.
  • They will have a better understanding of the culture in Colombia and EEUU.
  • Students will be able to debate topics related to the UNIT in TL and understand the opinions of others.
  • They should also be able to apply some of the listening techniques to successfully take answer IB listening tasks

Links to TOK

  • Create connections between Latino-American cultures and their own.
  • ¿Cuál es el papel de la lengua en la creación o el fortalecimiento de distinciones sociales como las diferencias de clase, género o etnia?
  • ¿Qué relevancia tiene el uso de una lengua u otra en contextos diferentes (por ejemplo, en países con dos lenguas oficiales o en países donde hay lenguas indígenas y lenguas oficiales)?
  • ¿Se usa el mismo idioma con personas de un nivel superior o inferior?
  • ¿En qué medida nos influencia viajar en la formación de nuestra identidad y carácter?
  • ¿Hacer un voluntariado es un acto altruista o egoísta?

Links to Assessment

  • Listening & speaking

Topics / Units

Tema 2- EXPERIENCIAS – Unidad 5- Historias de Vida

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • Historias de familias / historias de inmigracion / Experiencias que nos cambiaron la vida.
  • Students will be learning new language and revising grammatical points such as: Elcontraste entre los preterito perfecto e indefinido/ Los adjetivos/ El regimen preposicional de los verbos

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Students will be able to understand the impact of migration in Latino-American societies and how, some experiences changed people’s lives. They will reflect on how the past shape us ? or up to what point we are the product of our upbringing.
  • Students will get deeper knowledge of the Spanish culture.
  • They will also learn about Julio Cortazar one of the most celebrated argentinian writers around the world.

Links to TOK

  • Naturaleza o crianza?
  • Students will reflect on what has a bigger influence. Their upbringing and their history or their genes?

Links to Assessment

  • Listening & speaking

Topics / Units

Tema 2- EXPERIENCIAS – Unidad 6- Contumbres y tradiciones

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • Las fiestas y los festivales en Latinoamerica.
  • Comparing celebrations and traditions with the ones in their own countries.
  • Gramatica: Los verbos de pronombre indirecto (como gustar) Los verbos reflexivos y pronominales, Los usos del subjuntivo / El regimen preposicional de los verbos and another revision to SER/ ESTAR.

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Students will learn about customs in Andalucia – Cataluna.
  • Festivals and rituals in Latinoamerica. Las fallas de Valencia – the link to popular criticism / Las fiestas de quinceaneras – the impact on Young girls / La resurrecccion del sol

Links to TOK

  • Los ritos de iniciacion. Students will reflect on why societies celebrate becoming adults.
  • What are the effects on the individuals when experimenting a ritual that marks moment they become adults?

Links to Assessment

  • Listening & speaking