Spanish
SIII–SIV Standard Grade
The Spanish course develops the four skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Speaking is developed gradually through prepared presentations, role play and discussion. Writing is assessed by means of a folio generated from class work. In Reading, pupils read short Spanish texts and answer questions in English and in Listening, pupils listen to recordings of Spanish extracts and answer questions in English. The overall grade in Spanish is determined by giving Reading and Speaking (class-based) double the weighting of Listening and Writing.
SV/SVI Higher
The aim of the course is to develop linguistic competence in the four areas of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing through the study of various social and personal topics of relevance to the pupils. These topics are grouped into three themes: Lifestyles; Education and Work; and the Wider World. Pupils study a literary text to introduce them to extended reading and cultural appreciation.
An integrated approach to the topics, incorporating detailed analysis of written and recorded material, class discussion in the foreign language and essay work, enables students to build their linguistic competence in order to use the language to communicate. Grammatical concepts learned for Standard Grade are broadened to equip pupils for the various types of written work they are required to complete. The course comprises one 80-hour unit (Language) and one 40-hour unit (Extended Reading and Viewing) which are taught concurrently.
SVI Advanced Higher
The aim of the course is to offer progressive development in the four skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing in a widening range of contexts. The topics covered are grouped into three themes: Personal, Social and Cultural issues; Topical issues; and Environmental issues. Literary appreciation is extended with the study of a literary text and personal study of a background topic.
The course comprises one 80-hour unit (Language) and one 40-hour unit (Extended Reading and Viewing) taught concurrently. The skills of Speaking and Writing place an emphasis on discussion and the presentation of arguments. Fluency and accuracy are expected. The Extended Reading and Viewing unit develops skills in literary appreciation and the background study encourages independent learning.