Pupils can expect at least two pieces of homework a week. One piece will normally be of a learning nature and self-discipline in this particular learning process can be hugely beneficial in the long run. The departmental recommendation is that pupils continue to spend a minimum of 15 minutes learning and revising topic vocabulary three to four times per week.

Pupils will also be expected to continue to consolidate grammar rules and will show understanding of the application of these rules in their written work.  The understanding of written texts and the development of effective dictionary skills will be delivered through Reading Comprehension tasks. At certain times of the year homework will include preparation and practice for speaking assessments and NARS.

Language is for communication, and in S3 Spanish pupils will develop skills of listening, talking, reading and writing to allow them to communicate with others. Pupils will extend their knowledge of the language and how it relates to their own heritage language. Studying a modern language in S3 will also heighten pupils’ awareness of other cultures and of what it means to be a global citizen.

Pupils will develop social skills through frequent opportunities to work collaboratively either with a partner or in groups. There will also be regular opportunities to participate in imaginative and creative activities. All of these skills for language learning will help equip young people for life and work.

NATIONAL 4 

This Course is made up of three mandatory Units. The Course provides learners with the opportunity to develop their reading, listening, talking and writing skills in order to understand and use a modern language. The three Units, taken together, include the four language skills of reading, listening and talking, and writing.

The structure of the Units enables learners to focus on the skills required to understand and use a modern language, and to integrate reading, listening, talking and writing skills across the Units. Each Unit also offers opportunities for learners to focus on particular skills.

Understanding Language (National 4)

The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop reading and listening skills in the modern language and to develop their knowledge of straightforward language in the contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture.

Using Language (National 4)

The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop talking and writing skills in the modern language, and to develop their knowledge of straightforward language in the contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture.

Added Value Unit: Assignment (National 4)

The purpose of this Added Value Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to apply their language skills to investigate a chosen topic in a familiar context in the modern language.

NATIONAL 5

This Course is made up of two mandatory Units. The Course provides learners with the opportunity to develop their reading, listening, talking and writing skills in order to understand and use a modern language. The two Units, taken together, include the four language skills of reading, listening, talking and writing.

The structure of the Units enables learners to focus on the skills required to understand and use a modern language and to integrate reading, listening, talking and writing skills across the Units. Each Unit also offers opportunities for learners to focus on particular skills.

Understanding Language (National 5)

The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop reading and listening skills in the modern language, and to develop their knowledge and understanding of detailed language in the contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture.

Using Language (National 5)

The purpose of this Unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop talking and writing skills in the modern language, and to develop their knowledge and understanding of detailed language in the contexts of society, learning, employability and culture.

National 4

This exam is internally assessed. Pupils need a pass in the four skills of listening, reading, writing and talking which will happen internally at the times above.  Pupils will gain an award at National 4 when all sections have been completed.

National 4 pupils need to also complete an Added Value Unit which comprises 2 reading texts, a short presentation in the foreign language and at least four follow-up questions asked by their teacher.

National 5

This exam is externally assessed and pupils will be awarded an A-D as a result of the exam they sit in May. To achieve this pupils will also need a pass in each of the four skills of listening, reading, writing and talking which will happen internally at the times above. The external exam comprises of three reading texts, a listening test and a written job application.

All pupil assessments are routinely graded and recorded by the teacher and the results are stored centrally, these results are used by staff to track the progress of the individuals and ensure that their needs are being met. Pupils also review their own attainment and are encourage to identify ways to improve their learning. Staff report formally to parents as per the school calendar.