Spanish

‘Un idioma distinto es una vision diferente de la vida’

Federico Fellini

Vision statement

The Spanish Department aims to develop a passion for language learning and to equip our pupils with the skills to be able to communicate efficiently in the foreign language.

General information

Spanish at Ballard is taught from Year 4 up to Year 11, and lessons are delivered by Specialist teachers who create a welcoming and safe learning environment. Our pupils love learning Spanish at Ballard and make excellent progress in the subject as it is evidenced by our outstanding GCSE results.

Lessons are interactive and resources are varied. We understand our pupils learn in different ways and take this into account when planning by using a variety of kinesthetic, visual, digital resources as well as other extra-curricular opportunities such as salsa lessons or churros breakfast and a trip to Spain for our Senior pupils. Technology plays an important part in language learning and our teachers and pupils are proficient in the use of OneNote and a many other digital resources are available to enhance our pupils’ learning experience. We understand the importance of teaching our pupils how to learn and there is a clear focus on developing our pupils’ revision skills. Pupils feel very motivated in lessons and our Ballard reward system and verbal praise are consistently used to recognise our pupils’ achievements.

Co-curricular/trips abroad

We are proud to run the accredited Foreign Language Leader Award during activity time for aspiring young leaders with a keen interest in languages.

Fun with Spanish is an opportunity for our young pupils to have a more informal experience of the language whilst playing games and other activities.

Raising Attainment sessions are offered to year 10 and 11 pupils and focus in those areas for improvement and stretching pupils who would like to aim at a higher grade.

Year 9 pupils are invited to an exciting trip to Valencia, whilst Year 10 and Year 11 pupils are treated to Spanish picnics and visits to tapas restaurants.