Spanish

Here’s what our students have to say…

“I’d never spoken Spanish before I came to RNC but I knew that I was going to Barcelona with friends so thought I’d learn a little bit. I was able to fit in a Level 1 qualification alongside my massage course. Learning a language is so different from what it was like in school where I found it really hard with a much larger group of people. Here, there is a much smaller staff to student ratio and you get much more support. I had an amazing trip to Galicia (Spain) with staff and students – hardly anyone spoke English so it really put me on the spot. They seem to speak really quickly so it was challenging but I was able to pick out words and make sense of it. I’d never flown before and I ended up going to Spain twice in five weeks! I would definitely recommend that other students try languages; I would definitely feel confident going around a new Spanish city now.” Tom Rogers.

Qualification Level

• NVQ Entry Level
• NVQ (Level 1)
• GCSE (Level 2)
• AS Level (Level 3)
• A Level (Level 3)

Duration of programme

• 1-2 years for Entry Level NVQ
• 1-2 years for NVQ (Level 1)
• 1 year for GCSE
• 1 year for AS Level
• 2 years for A Level

AS and A Level are separate qualifications but are taught alongside each other for the first year. This gives AS students the opportunity to switch to the full A Level if they are ready.

Entry Requirements

• For Entry Level and Level 1 NVQ no previous experience is necessary so these courses are suitable for beginners. We would guide you towards the right level depending on your existing skills.
• At GCSE you need some previous experience of studying Spanish at Key Stage 3; ideally to grade D or E (grade 3 or 2) or Level 1 NVQ.
• For AS and A Level you should have 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C (grade 4) or above; these should include Spanish, Maths and English Language.

However, individual circumstances can be discussed at your Pre-Entry Assessment.

Course Information

GCSE Spanish broadens your existing knowledge of Spanish language and culture; this helps you to work towards independence as a language learner.

The AS and A Level syllabuses include culture, current affairs and other ethical issues such as immigration, crime, politics and religious beliefs, as well as developing your language skills.

Teaching Methods

Students are taught in small groups; there is a mixture of discussion, reading and written work. You will need to undertake lesson preparation tasks as well as formal ‘homework’ and assessment practice.

If you wish to study languages at university, you will learn how to use a virtual learning environment, known as Moodle, to help prepare you for studies in Higher Education.

Assessment Methods

Assessment of GCSEs and A Levels is by examination, including an exam in Speaking and Listening. Exam formats at both GCSE and A level can include questions that are very challenging for people with visual impairments – we specialise in finding ways of helping you to succeed

Assessment of NVQs is by a portfolio of work that you produce. This is assessed both internally and externally.

Course Enrichment Opportunities

RNC languages offer lively social activities both inside College and within the Herefordshire languages community. We encourage you to join the Herefordshire Spanish Appreciation Society, which is run by the RNC Spanish tutor, to participate in activities such as tapas evenings, talks and movie nights.

Native speaking volunteers offer additional conversation practice to students and join us on activities.

You will also have the opportunity to visit Galicia which gives you the chance to explore a new culture as well as practising your Spanish language skills. Places on the trip are prioritised for language students.

View the photo album from our 2016 trip to Galicia

Progression Opportunities

Having a foreign language gives you a big advantage when it comes to applying for jobs. Many companies now say that they prefer staff to be able to speak more than one language.

The language skills you learn at RNC will equip you to work in a range of professional workplaces.

Language A Levels will also prepare you for Higher Education if you choose to continue your studies at university.

Student timetables at RNC

We recognise that all of our learners are individuals, which is why no two students will have the same timetable. As well as each student’s core area(s) of study, they will have a mixture of ICT Skills, Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living Skills and/or Braille on their timetables, dependent on their individual needs, goals and objectives.

Here’s what the teachers have to say…

“So many students at RNC try a language here for the first time and find that they have a real flair. In some cases, they haven’t been given the chance to study a language at school or to take part in trips abroad. Over the last few years we have taken students (some who have never travelled outside the UK before) to France, Spain and Germany and they’ve made friends with lots of language speakers outside college in the local community. One student discovered she was so good at French that she went on to take a GCSE and gained a grade A*!” Claire Lewin – Languages Teacher

Read Claire Lewin’s staff profile