Languages

Spanish is the study of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. At Knutsford Academy, we aim to develop confident, spontaneous and fluent linguists who can communicate in real-life contexts and appreciate the richness and diversity of global Hispanic cultures. Our curriculum fosters a deep understanding of vocabulary, grammar and phonics, and builds sociolinguistic awareness through meaningful and purposeful communication. 

We strongly encourage students to consider continuing with a language at GCSE. The cognitive benefits of language learning are well established: increased memory, improved problem‑solving skills, stronger listening skills, better multi‑tasking and more developed critical thinking.

In an increasingly interconnected world, speaking another language can open up educational, cultural and professional opportunities. Being able to communicate in another language is a valuable advantage in fields such as business, finance, technology, government, law, medicine, the military, marketing and many other sectors.

Studying a language also deepens students’ understanding of other cultures, perspectives and societies — skills that are increasingly important in a global workplace.

Course Summary

We study the Edexcel GCSE Spanish specification. The course builds on KS3 knowledge with increased grammatical complexity, cultural awareness and fluency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Themes include: 

• Media and technology – music, TV, films, social media and gaming 

• My personal world – family, friends, relationships and equality 

• Studying and my future – school and future opportunities 

• Lifestyle and wellbeing – physical and mental well-being, food and sports 

• Travel and tourism – transport, accommodation and tourist attractions 

• My neighbourhood – places in town, shopping, the natural world and environmental issues 

Lessons are designed using The Knutsford Way and EPI principles, promoting spontaneous speaking, extended writing and use of authentic texts. Tasks are real-life, purposeful and culturally rich. 

Students take four exams at the end of Year 11. Each paper is worth 25%, and all exams must be taken at either Foundation tier (grades 1–5) or Higher tier (grades 4–9). 

Assessment

Students take four exams at the end of Year 11. Each paper is worth 25%. All exams are sat at either Foundation tier (grades 1–5) or Higher tier (grades 4–9). 

• Paper 1: Speaking 

• Read aloud + short discussion 

• Role play 

• Picture description and conversation 

• Duration: 7–9 mins (Foundation) or 10–12 mins (Higher), plus 15 mins prep 

• Paper 2: Listening 

• Respond to questions in English 

• Includes a short dictation task in Spanish 

• Duration: 45 mins (Foundation) / 60 mins (Higher) 

• Paper 3: Reading 

• Respond to texts and complete a short translation into English 

• Duration: 45 mins (Foundation) / 60 mins (Higher) 

• Paper 4: Writing 

• Two extended writing tasks + a translation into Spanish 

• Duration: 1h15 (Foundation) / 1h20 (Higher) 

Enrichment

• Weekly Upgrade sessions every Tuesday (3.10–4.10pm) 

• Targeted speaking support and GCSE grammar masterclasses 

• Spanish exchange (e.g. with Málaga) 

• GCSE Day at Instituto Cervantes or  

• Manchester University Languages Day 

• Film screenings with discussion 

• Opportunities to mentor younger linguists 

• Cultural festival activities and competitions 

• Italian Beginners club

• Weekly Upgrade sessions every Tuesday (3.10–4.10pm) 

• Targeted speaking support and GCSE grammar masterclasses 

• Spanish exchange (e.g. with Málaga) 

• GCSE Day at Instituto Cervantes or  

• Manchester University Languages Day 

• Film screenings with discussion 

• Opportunities to mentor younger linguists 

• Cultural festival activities and competitions 

• Italian Beginners club

Careers

Studying Spanish enhances communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving—skills that are highly valued in all careers. 

Spanish complements any degree course, including law, sciences, business, medicine, engineering, and the arts, and is extremely well regarded by universities and employers. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Spanish gives access to opportunities across Europe, Latin America, the USA, and parts of Africa. 

Potential careers include: 

• Translator or interpreter (Spanish English bilingual roles) 

• International business and marketing, particularly with Latin American and Spanish markets 

• Travel and tourism, in Spanish-speaking countries or for international companies 

• Journalism and media, including reporting, editing or bilingual content creation 

• Diplomatic service, such as working in embassies or consulates 

• Law and international relations, involving cross-border legal, political, or trade work 

• Teaching and education, both in the UK and in Spanish-speaking countries 

• Linguistics and academic research, with a focus on Hispanic culture and language 

• NGO and charity work abroad, especially in Latin America and Africa 

• Hospitality and event management, with international client bases 

Contact

Mrs G Speakman – Head of Languages gsn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk