Westlake Boys High School Westlake Boys High School

Level 2 Spanish

12SPN
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms C. Bader.

Entry Criteria

Entry into Level 2 Spanish requires successful completion of Year 11 Spanish.

Q: I am a background Spanish speaker, but my Spanish is not good and I want to take this subject to improve my Spanish. Can I take this course? 


A: If you speak Spanish but have little to no ability in reading or writing and wish to take this course, you will need to request an exemption into the course. Please include notes explaining your situation. The respective Head of Department will then contact you to confirm placement. 




Level 2 Spanish

Y12 Spanish is designed for students who have completed Y11 Spanish or who have a good knowledge of the Spanish language and culture. Students will learn to interact and improve their listening skills in Spanish and they will be able to read and write texts on familiar matters. The culture of Spanish-speaking countries will be compared and contrasted with students’ cultural backgrounds.

Q: Why should I take Spanish?

A: 

• Learn in a Fun, Social & Supportive Way 

Spanish class is interactive and varied—featuring games, videos, conversations, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re outgoing or more reserved, you’ll build confidence and friendships in a low-pressure, engaging environment. 

• Unlock High-Paying Careers in NZ and Overseas 

Language skills are a major asset in industries like tech, healthcare, education, defence, aviation, and international business—giving you a competitive edge and often leading to better pay. 

• Stand Out in Uni, Apprenticeships & Job Applications 

Being bilingual shows you're disciplined, globally aware, and adaptable—qualities that impress employers, scholarship panels, and selectors. 

• Boost Your Brainpower & School Performance 

Learning a language sharpens memory, focus, and problem-solving—helping you improve in other subjects like Maths, English, and Science. 

• Access Scholarships, Travel & Global Opportunities 

Languages open doors to fully funded exchanges, uni scholarships, and travel adventures—saving money and building unforgettable experiences.

For cultural studies there will be food tasting, research on the culture and history of Spanish-speaking countries and a film study. 


Q: What do the assessments look like for this course?

A: You have two internal assessments and two external assessments.

  • Internal writing assessment (5 credits): Two short pieces of writing in Spanish with resources to be completed over the year in class. 
  • Internal speaking assessment (4 credits): Two minute speech presentation in Spanish. 
  • External listening exam (5 credits): Listen to three passages in Spanish and answer the questions in English. This takes place at the end of the year. 
  • External reading exam (5 credits): Read three texts in Spanish answer the questions in English. This takes place at the end of the year.

Q: Will there be a trip?

A: We have a shared breakfast with Westlake Girls High School, where students compete in quizzes, games and taste churros. We have cultural activities and competitions.

Q: Are there any competitions?

A: There is a Spanish quiz where different schools across Auckland compete. 


 


Course Overview

Term 1
2.5. Writing portfolio internal #1

Media, music and films
Film study of a Spanish-speaking film

Term 2
2.5. Writing portfolio internal #2
2.3. Interaction portfolio internal #1 (optional as extension)

Sports and healthy lifestyle

Term 3
2.2. Speech Internal
2.3. Interaction portfolio internal #2 (optional as extension)

Tourism and eating habits in Spanish-speaking countries

Term 4
Preparation for 2.1. Listening external and 2.4. Reading external

Learning Areas:

Languages


Pathway

Level 3 Spanish



			
					
					Equipment/Stationery and Course Costs
										

This course makes significant use of digital learning material at various times during the year. It is advantageous for a student to have a laptop during these times. Some learning activities, including assessments, will not be able to be completed without a laptop. $22 course fee, which includes cultural activities and resources.


Disclaimer

Course selection does not guarantee a course will be available or that you have approval to take a course. Final course confirmation is in January and depends on your final results and in rare cases, staff availability.