Subject - MFL

Why Spanish Matters

Studying Spanish gives students:

• A competitive edge in future careers

• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills

• Greater cultural awareness and respect for diversity

• Opportunities to connect with people across the world

We introduce students to the Extensive Processing Instruction (EPI - Conti). This language methodology mimics the way we learn our mother tongue. Students are first introduced to a lot of Listening skills, then they start speaking the language and finally, we move them to Reading and Writing.This methodology has proven to help them broaden their understanding of learning different languages and it is being widely used around the world.

Year 7 

In Year 7, students arrive at CFS with varied language experiences, including those who have enjoyed Spanish since Year 3 in the upper junior. Our carefully designed curriculum ensures every learner is supported, with Term 1 focused on building a shared foundation so students quickly progress to a similar level of Spanish acquisition. Lessons are lively and engaging, using fun games and interactive activities to motivate learners and build confidence. This inclusive, well‑sequenced approach reflects the high expectations valued by Ofsted and reassures parents that their children are developing strong language skills in a joyful, ambitious learning environment.

Year 8 

The Year 8 Spanish curriculum at CFS builds purposefully on the strong foundations established in Year 7, ensuring students progress with confidence and ambition. Learners explore Education, My Area and Holidays—all key GCSE themes—introduced early to deepen understanding, strengthen long‑term retention and nurture genuine enthusiasm for language learning. This early exposure not only supports academic success but also empowers students to communicate meaningfully about their world. Our approach reflects high expectations, clear progression and a commitment to developing resilient, motivated linguists, reassuring parents and aligning with Ofsted’s focus on coherent curriculum design and sustained learner development. 

Year 9 

When students reach Year 9, most have developed a strong understanding of Spanish, making this a pivotal stage in preparing for GCSE success. This year focuses on strengthening core knowledge so learners begin their GCSE journey with confidence and ambition. As our Headteacher states, “CFS unapologetically supports language learning, offering students the choice of Spanish or Latin at GCSE,” a commitment that enhances future employability in an increasingly global and culturally diverse world. Learning Spanish is especially valuable today, opening doors academically and professionally. Our well‑sequenced approach reflects Ofsted’s expectations and reassures parents that their children are gaining essential lifelong skills. 

Spanish GCSE (Edexcel)

Building Confident, Culturally Aware Global Communicators

At CFS, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to develop the skills that will help them thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. That’s why it is our school's expectation that students study a language at GCSE. Spanish, spoken by over 500 million people worldwide, offers young people a powerful advantage—opening doors to travel, careers, cultural understanding and global citizenship.

The Edexcel Spanish GCSE develops students’ ability to express themselves confidently in real‑world contexts. Through engaging topics, purposeful communication and a strong focus on grammar, learners build the foundations they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

What Students Study

Spanish GCSE is organised into five engaging themes:

1. Identity and Culture 

Family, relationships, daily life, hobbies, celebrations, technology and media.

2. Local Area, Holiday and Travel 

Town and region, directions, transport, accommodation, holiday activities and problem‑solving.

3. School 

Subjects, teachers, routines, rules, and future study plans.

4. Future Aspirations, Study and Work 

Jobs, ambitions, part‑time work, CVs and workplace language.

5. International and Global Dimension 

Environment, global issues, volunteering, world events and cultural connections.

Grammar Knowledge Students Build

A strong grammar foundation helps students communicate with accuracy and confidence. Throughout the course, learners master:

• Nouns, gender, number and articles

• Adjective agreement, comparatives and superlatives

• Pronouns (subject, object, reflexive, possessive, demonstrative, relative)

• Regular and irregular verbs in all key tenses:

  • Present

  • Preterite

  • Imperfect

  • Near future

  • Simple future

  • Conditional

  • Perfect

  • Pluperfect (recognition)

• Reflexive verbs

• Modal verbs (poder, tener que, deber)

• Imperatives

• Set subjunctive phrases (es importante que…)

• Adverbs, sequencing and time expressions

• Prepositions (a, de, en, con, por, para)

• Conjunctions for complex sentences

• Negatives (no, nunca, nadie, nada, ni…ni…)

• Forming questions confidently across tenses

How Spanish GCSEs is assessed?

GCSE Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 1 - 5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4 - 9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series. 

• Paper 1 - Speaking exam

• Paper 2 - Listening and understanding in Spanish

• Paper 3 - Reading and understanding in Spanish

• Paper 4 - Writing in Spanish