Overview:

This is a wonderful opportunity to explore aspects of the Spanish language and culture beyond those encountered in the Junior Cycle years. There is a huge emphasis on oral and aural work in class and also investigative work on Spanish history, geography, culture , gastronomy, art, poetry and literature. Pupils will gain confidence in their fluency through role play and consequently will be comfortable in their delivery of the various projects presented in class.

Course Content:

We have 2 sets of Spanish in Form IV. The course is divided into 3 terms. In the first, the pupils will do the first of their presentations on a Spanish related topic. This can range from La Comida Española to La Corrida to Las Banderas de América del Sur. This is followed by a couple of weeks of oral work on Así Soy Yo , Mi Personalidad y Mi Familia. We then have our first Quince Días de Cine where we study the film El Orfanato by Guillermo del Toro. This in-depth study incorporates an introduction to Spanish cinema in addition to some well-known Spanish and South American directors and actors. We use study guides to discuss characters and their personalities and themes in the film. El Día de Los Muertos y La Navidad is introduced and studied with the aid of up to date videos, literature and presentations in the target language. The Michaelmas examinations incorporate questions on all of the above. In Hilary term as well as lessons on specific grammar and tenses which aid the pupils in their discussions and presentations, we introduce Spanish Art and Cuisine. We firstly study the main artists like Velazquez, Murillo, Picasso, Goya and El Greco. We then introduce the Spanish Cuisine where the pupils literally get a taste of Spain as we cook either a Tortilla Espanola or Chocolate con Churros in class - always a favourite! These two areas of interest are brought together in a cultural trip to the National Gallery of Ireland where we have a guided tour in the Spanish Rooms and then off to a Spanish restaurant where the pupils can order in Spanish and experience the authentic cuisine. We also organise a cultural trip to the Instituto Cervantes where the pupils are introduced to the facilities and have a general knowledge quiz and a tour of the library. They also have a workshop on Flamenco Dancing which takes place towards the end of the term. The Trinity term focuses more on oral and listening skills and the pupils prepare for their final individual presentation where at least two representatives present at the Modern Language Evening in Trinity College Dublin. This is an absolute privilege and honour for both our presenters and their peers to attend and to be judged by the senior language lecturers in Trinity. It is a wonderful evening indeed. Some of our pupils take part in the Language Plays evening which are approximately ten minutes in duration.

Teaching & Learning:

We aim to strike a balance between teacher and pupil led learning. As the year progresses pupils should develop greater independence and become more able to direct their own learning. Speaking in public, in front of an audience builds confidence and gives a sense of achievement. Lessons are communicative and given in the target language. They are designed to be dynamic, engaging and informative and at the same, conscious of differentiation which seems to occur annually in this academic year. A range of strategies is used including role play, presentation, question and answer, imaginative writing from Flashcards, pair work and quizzes. ICT is relied on and we attach importance to all four language skills ; reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Assessment:

Exams take place at the end of the first two terms and specific percentages are given to the presentations, attitude and involvement in class, group and individual participation. There are also oral exams at the end of each term. The pupils are given a questionnaire at the end of the year to give them the opportunity to express how they felt about their TY experience and their learning outcomes. This is a valuable document going forward as it assists us in our self-evaluation and future planning.

Additional Information:

The pupils are encouraged to take part in the various Prize Competitions offered in SCC and we encourage continued correspondence with native past pupils of the college.