Previous knowledge
The study of a modern language is an essential part of the IB programme; it is advisable that students who wish to study Spanish at Standard Level (SL) have gained at least a grade C in Spanish at GCSE or equivalent, and students who wish to study the Higher Level (HL) have gained a grade B or above. Students who wish to study Spanish Ab Initio should have no or very little previous knowledge of the language.

Spanish SL and HL
The HL and SL courses aim to enable students to use and understand the language
appropriately in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes. The course covers wide ranging topics that promote reflection, discussion and argument whilst focusing not only on the issues in hand but also the grammar and vocabulary. Topics covered are relevant to Spanish society and Spain’s role in the World. These include: Environmental Issues; Health and Lifestyles; Education and Equal Opportunities; and many other topics. At the end of each topic students will be expected to complete a variety of assessments. The skills and subject knowledge will be taught during lessons through a variety of activities but students are also expected to reinforce their learning through independent research and study. Over the course these should cover the listening, reading, speaking and writing skills applicable to the final examination. The Spanish course helps to develop skills included in the IB Learner Profile, namely: communication, open-mindedness and critical thinking where students will have to respond to the views and judgements of others. These skills prepare students to be successful in further education and increase career opportunities where having a second language is always an important asset.

Spanish Ab Initio
The Ab Initio course, though it follows the same principles as above, has different and more limited objectives. Students are expected at the end of the course to communicate information and ideas effectively in a limited range of situations and show an awareness of elements of the culture. Topics covered include: Education and Work; Town and Services; Food and Drink; Leisure and Travel; the Environment; and Health and Emergencies.

Assessment
Students will be formally examined at the end of the two year course. They will be required to take a ‘Text Handling’ paper (40%), a ‘Written Production’ paper (30%) and an oral examination (30%). The oral examination consists of two oral assessments, the first being a group assessment which takes place in class during the final year and the second being an individual assessment conducted by the teacher at the end of the course.