Spanish

‘Se llevaron el oro y nos dejaron el oro… Se lo llevaron todo y nos dejaron todo… Nos dejaron las palabras’  Pablo Neruda

Spanish is one of the main foreign languages studied at St. Vincent’s College. First years may choose it as their modern language and generally continue it through to Leaving Certificate. Strong emphasis is placed on communicative skills and classes are conducted through the target language. Teachers of Spanish make great effort to develop and concentrate on the four language skills- Oral, Aural, Listening and Reading.

The Junior Certificate:

The Junior Certificate syllabus caters for the entire ability range of pupils. It is divided into Ordinary and Higher level and consists of:

  • An Aural examination
  • A Written examination

The syllabus is the same for both levels.

ExamHigherOrdinary
Listening 140 marks44%140 marks44%
Reading100 marks31%120 marks38%
Writing 80 marks25%60 marks19%
Total 320 marks100%320 marks100%

The Leaving Certificate

The Leaving Certificate Assessment is by means of a written examination at both Ordinary and Higher level. There is also an aural and an oral examination at both levels.

ExamHigherOrdinary
Listening 80 marks20%100 marks25%
Reading100 marks30%160 marks40%
Written Production80 marks25%60 marks15%
Oral100 marks25%80 marks20%
Total 400 marks100%400 marks100%

Transition year

Transition year offers the student the opportunity to experience Hispanic culture and traditions by means of films, music, literature and two language programmes. The Department runs a variety of initiatives which students are strongly encouraged to engage with.

Highlights

  • Trips to Spain are organised at various intervals
  • Castleknock Spanish debating teams have been extremely successful in the Irish Spanish debating competition, having been finalists in recent years.