Level 3 Spanish
13SPN Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Ms C. Bader.
Entry CriteriaEntry into Level 3 Spanish requires successful completion of a Level 2 course in 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 3 Spanish
Students will learn to interact with each other in Spanish and improve their listening skills in the language. They will also 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.
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 (3 credits): Three minute speech presentation in Spanish.
- Optional interaction assessment
- 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: Do we have a trip during the school year?
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.
Course Overview
Term 1
3.5. Writing portfolio internal #1
Students are able to choose the topics they would like to study at the beginning of the school year.
Possible topics:
Media, music and films
Film analysis of a Spanish-speaking film.
Term 2
3.3. Interaction portfolio #1 (optional as extension)
3.5. Writing portfolio internal #2
Sports and healthy lifestyle
Term 3
3.2. Speech Internal
3.3. Interaction portfolio #2 (optional as extension)
Tourism and eating habits / Future plans and education
Term 4
Preparation for 3.1. Listening external and 3.4. Reading external
Equipment/Stationery and Course Costs
This course makes significant use of digital learning material at various times during the year. It is important 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 for course fee, which includes cultural activities and resources.