Spanish (Version 8.4)

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Context statement

The place of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish speakers in Australia and in the world
Spanish is a global language spoken by approximately 500 million people across the world. Spanish evolved from Latin on the Iberian Peninsula in around the ninth century, and travelled from Spain to the Caribbean and to North, Central and South America as a result of the expeditions of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

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PDF documents

Resources and support materials for the Australian Curriculum: Languages - Spanish are available as PDF documents. 
Languages - Spanish: Sequence of content
Languages - Spanish: Sequence of Achievement - F-10 Sequence
Languages - Spanish: Sequence …

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Years 9 and 10

Years 9 and 10 Band Description

The nature of the learners

At this level, students bring to their learning existing knowledge of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish speakers and a range of learning strategies. They are increasingly aware of the world beyond their own and are engaging with youth-related and social and environmental issues. They require continued guidance and mentoring but work increasingly independently to analyse, reflect on and monitor their language learning and intercultural experiences. They are considering future pathways and options, including the possible role of Spanish in these.

Spanish language learning and use

This is a period of language exploration, vocabulary expansion and experimentation with different modes of communication (for example, digital media, collaborative performance and group discussions). Learners become more confident in communicating in a wider range of contexts through greater control of language structures and increased understanding of the variability of language use. They use Spanish to communicate and interact; to access and exchange information; to express feelings and opinions; to participate in imaginative and creative experiences; and to create, interpret and analyse a wider range of texts and experiences. They use Spanish more fluently, with a greater degree of self-correction and repair. They reference the accuracy of their language use against a stronger frame of grammatical knowledge. They demonstrate understanding of language variation and change and of how intercultural experience, technology, media and globalisation influence communication.

Contexts of interaction

Learners interact with peers, teachers and other Spanish speakers in immediate and local contexts, and with wider communities and cultural resources via virtual and online environments. They may access additional experience of the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish speaking world through interschool events, or community events such as film festivals or cultural performances.

Texts and resources

Learners use texts designed for language learning, such as textbooks, teacher-generated materials and online resources. Learning is enriched by exposure to a range of authentic materials designed for or generated by young Spanish speakers in a variety of Spanish-speaking regions, such as video clips, magazine features, television programs or advertisements. Students take some responsibility for sourcing additional materials to support their own learning.

Features of Spanish language use

Learners use more complex language in spoken and written forms. They adjust tone, expression and intonation to shade meaning and to convey emotions. They expand their knowledge and control of grammatical elements such as verb tenses (imperfecto, futuro simple, condicional) and direct and indirect object pronouns. They use a range of cohesive devices to sequence and describe events in detail and to complete communicative tasks that involve planning, performance, and collaborative and independent work. Their language production includes elements of interpreting, creating, evaluating and performing. They engage in critical analysis of texts such as advertisements and media reports, identifying how language choices reflect perspectives and cultural contexts.

Learners examine the processes involved in using a different language, recognising them as cognitive, cultural and personal as well as linguistic. They explore the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication: how moving between different languages and cultural systems impacts on ways of thinking and behaving; and how successful communication requires flexibility, awareness and openness to alternative ways. They develop the capacity to ‘decentre’ from normative ways of thinking and communicating, to consider themselves through the eyes of others, and to communicate in interculturally appropriate ways.

Level of support

Support at this level of learning includes provision of rich and varied stimulus materials, continued scaffolding and modelling of language functions and communicative tasks, and explicit instruction and explanation of the grammatical system. Learners are provided with opportunities to discuss, clarify, practise and apply their knowledge. Critical and constructive teacher feedback combines with peer support and self-review to monitor and evaluate learning outcomes (for example, portfolios, peer review, digital journals).

The role of English

Spanish is used in more extended and elaborated ways. English continues to be used when needed for substantive discussion, explanation and analysis. This allows learners to talk in depth and detail about the experience of learning Spanish and about their thoughts on culture, identity and intercultural experience, supporting discussion of concepts such as ‘stereotypes’, ‘difference’, ‘diversity’ and ‘values’. It allows for a degree of expression and reflection that is beyond learners’ communicative capabilities in Spanish.


Years 9 and 10 Content Descriptions

Socialising

Discuss and compare young people’s interests, behaviours and values across cultural contexts

[Key concepts: social change, youth culture, communication, memory; Key processes: discussing, responding, building connections] (ACLSPC181 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • exchanging emails and participating in online forums with peers in a Spanish-speaking context to share views about aspects of teenage life such as friends, responsibilities, interests, aspirations and topical issues
  • interviewing class members to elicit opinions on personal experiences and significant events from their past, and identifying common themes or reactions
  • comparing responses to events or texts such as a concert or television program, using evaluative and expressive language to convey reactions such as excitement, appreciation or boredom (Me encantó esa canción, ¡Aprecio tus palabras! ¡Qué aburrido!), and initiating and scaffolding conversation by introducing topics, inviting contributions or asking for clarification, for example, No he entendido bien… ¿Qué piensas? ¿Qué te parece si hablamos de…?
  • maintaining and extending conversations by following up on others’ contributions, elaborating on own comments and extending the topic, for example, Creo que tú tienes razón pero… Me gustaría agregar que…
Engage in shared activities such as planning and organising events by contributing ideas, opinions and suggestions and managing diverse views

[Key concepts: perspectives, change; Key processes: planning, debating, persuading] (ACLSPC182 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Sustainability
  • participating in collaborative projects such as a segment for a young people’s community radio or television program, sharing responsibility for different elements such as news items or sports reports, and using appropriate terms to introduce and summarise, for example, Estamos transmitiendo en directo desde … Esta edición nocturna se trata de… Ahora pasamos a las noticias del día…
  • negotiating arrangements, weighing up alternatives and reaching shared decisions in relation to planned events or activities, for example, Entonces nosotros haremos el afiche y ustedes lo distribuyen
  • planning a demonstration or performance for family or peers to showcase what they know and can do in Spanish, making decisions about different elements and preparing explanations of linguistic or cultural features of Spanish language use
  • participating in real or simulated transactions such as exchanging and ordering popular consumer items such as CDs, video games or books
  • organising real or simulated online forums to raise awareness of environmental, social or ethical issues such as prejudice, social justice or human rights, taking account of possible diversity of values and views
    • Sustainability
Engage in class discussions and debates, justifying opinions, evaluating perspectives and reflecting on own language learning

[Key concepts: perspectives, standpoint, representation; Key processes: debating, persuading, justifying, explaining] (ACLSPC183 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • interacting in class discussion and debate by taking turns, expressing agreement/disagreement, and providing encouragement for example, Es mi turno ahora, Estoy de acuerdo contigo… No comparto esa opinión… Me parece una idea estupenda
  • initiating and sustaining discussion by acknowledging different viewpoints (Tienes otro punto de vista, Ese aspecto lo veo de la siguiente manera…), asking for repetition or clarification (¿Qué quieres decir…?) or inviting further elaboration (¿Cómo? Eso quiere decir que…)
  • using argument and expressive or persuasive language to discuss topical issues such as La sostenibilidad, Los derechos humanos, for example, como sabemos … es evidente que … nadie puede negar
  • using metalanguage to discuss language and language learning and to engage in peer and self-reflection, for example, Cuando hablo español tiendo a mover las manos más… Me gusta hablar español porque siento que he empezado a entender algunos aspectos culturales del mundo hispanohablante

Informing

Analyse, synthesise and evaluate ideas and information from multiple sources on a range of local and global issues

[Key concepts: environment, standpoint, representation; Key processes: analysing, synthesising, evaluating perspectives] (ACLSPC184 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Sustainability
  • gathering information from a range of print and digital sources on topics such as ecoturismo or machismo, and identifying, evaluating and reporting on perspectives
  • distinguishing between fact and opinion in texts such as articles and reports, using critical literacy skills to recognise bias, for example, identifying the author, audience and purpose of the text
  • comparing and evaluating a range of perspectives on topics such as health, music, sport and religion presented in different media texts, and considering why people may have different perspectives
  • presenting commentaries collected from print, digital and personal sources of information on issues of interest to themselves and other young people, such as El impacto de los medios sociales en la vida cotidiana, El vestuario y la identidad, La influencia de la música en los jóvenes, classifying issues according to viewpoints and perspectives
  • researching cultural characteristics of a specific group of Spanish speakers to inform a course of action such as providing a Spanish-speaking exchange student with a suitable placement or a group of Spanish visitors with a suitable menu, or deciding on an appropriate time of year to visit a particular Spanish-speaking country or region
  • analysing published accounts of an event such as a sports match, a concert or a street party, identifying varying viewpoints
Convey information on a range of issues using different modes of presentation to suit different audiences

[Key concepts: perspective, society, environment; Key processes: constructing, reporting, persuading] (ACLSPC185 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Sustainability
  • researching and reporting on contemporary social, environmental or ethical issues as presented in a range of resources using different presentation techniques, for example, Venn diagrams, flow charts, digital displays
    • Sustainability
  • composing different types of social media texts such as blogs, advertisements, web pages, magazine articles or live or printed interviews to present views on particular issues, using appropriate protocols to acknowledge sources of reference and commentary, for example, by using reported speech (Dijo el doctor Sanabria que hay que usar autos eléctricos)

Creating

Engage with and review creative texts, identifying and explaining cultural attitudes and key messages

[Key concepts: relationship, perspective, values; Key processes: analysing, evaluating, reviewing] (ACLSPC186 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • collaborating in critical and cultural readings of the imaginative content of texts such as blogs or song lyrics to explore Spanish-language forms of creative expression
  • composing a review of a film or short story, identifying how the text uses language and textual features to convey emotions and perspectives, for example, Este video no muestra la realidad de la posición de la mujer, Los personajes en este texto se sienten felices
  • reading, viewing or listening to extracts from expressive contemporary texts such as poems, dance, street art or musical performances, identifying elements that reflect the culture or experience of Spanish-speaking communities
  • expressing responses to oral, written and digital texts such as short stories, poems, cartoons, films, raps and songs (es muy conmovedor, es preocupante, son melancólicas, es demasiado hermoso, es divertido, da risa), and identifying how mood is created and how storylines are developed
  • analysing the lyrics of contemporary songs from the Spanish-speaking world, identifying key messages and evaluating expressive styles
Produce a variety of imaginative texts to express ideas, attitudes and values for a range of audiences

[Key concepts: values, emotion, entertainment; Key processes: expressing, adapting, considering impact] (ACLSPC187 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • creating a poem or rap to perform to their peers that contains a message about an issue of personal significance
  • creating various types of texts such as digital or print stories, songs, chants or dialogues/skits, building characters, themes, settings and/or plots likely to appeal to specific audiences, for example, young learners of Spanish
  • composing and performing poems, songs, speeches or dialogues that reference significant celebrations or historical events in Australia or in the Spanish-speaking world, for example, El Día Internacional de la Mujer, La Feria de Sevilla, National Sorry Day, Fiestas patrias, Festivales folclóricos
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • creating reflective and expressive texts such as poems or blogs/wikis for own reference purposes to capture challenges, satisfactions and feelings about personal or social experiences and relationships

Translating

Translate both Spanish and English texts, and discuss cultural and other dimensions of the process

[Key concepts: culture, text, context; Key processes: evaluating, translating, comparing] (ACLSPC188 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • translating short familiar texts such as advertisements, songs or film clips, comparing own translation with others’, analysing and providing possible explanations for similarities and differences
  • reflecting on the difficulty of achieving equivalence in translations of creative texts such as poems and songs, and identifying words and phrases that require particular elaboration or explanation, for example, Es una tarde parda y fría de invierno…, from the poem ‘Recuerdo infantil’ by Antonio Machado
  • using, comparing and evaluating electronic and online translators
  • experimenting with translations of popular expressions or idioms in Spanish, noticing when this creates potential confusion, for example, Una todas partes se cuecen habas (lit. everywhere beans are cooked) = it’s the same the whole world over
Create bilingual texts that interpret aspects of Australian language and culture for Spanish-speaking audiences

[Key concept: bilinguality; Key processes: adjusting, interpreting, reflecting] (ACLSPC189 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • creating bilingual texts that present aspects of school life in Australia for Spanish-speaking students and parents, for example, a print leaflet or digital display about school excursions
  • considering how to maintain the integrity of original texts when translating, for example, explaining culture-specific concepts such as ‘the bush’ or ‘being a Wally with water’, and considering the use of register and idioms
  • producing bilingual texts such as video clips with subtitles explaining Australian cultural practices, for example, bushwalking, New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Melbourne Cup
  • producing public texts such as signs and posters in both Spanish and English, and commenting on the process of working in both languages

Reflecting

Participate in intercultural experiences, reflecting on own ways of communicating and considering how intercultural communication involves shared responsibility for meaning-making

[Key concept: mutual understanding; Key processes: making connections, questioning assumptions, adapting, adjusting] (ACLSPC190 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • considering how learning and using Spanish offers different ways of interpreting the world and representing experience
  • reflecting on how meaning can be misinterpreted in intercultural interactions, for example, by preparing a shared list of strategies to improve communication and intercultural skills
  • recognising differences in the nature and function of some elements of communication in Spanish compared to English, for example, the enjoyment of debate, disagreement and argument as social rather than confrontational activities; and greater levels of directness in exchanges, such as making requests using direct imperative
  • keeping a record such as a journal, log or online posting of critical incidents and observations in the course of intercultural language learning, such as breakdowns or breakthroughs in communication, and considering why or how they occurred and were repaired
  • recording and sharing reflections on their experiences of learning Spanish and on different reactions to aspects of the language and culture, for example, Tengo problemas pronunciando la doble r, es difícil para mí y se me olvida que la h no suena en español, Me gustaría poder hablar más rápidamente en español
Explore and compare cultural traditions in both the Spanish-speaking world and their own cultural contexts, considering how these influence identity

[Key concepts: identity, culture, worldview; Key processes: comparing, explaining] (ACLSPC191 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • reflecting on own cultural identity in terms of family background, community relationships and contact with languages (including Spanish), and tracking changes over time
  • composing an online ‘cultural ID profile’ to exchange with Spanish-speaking peers, making decisions about what points of information will be of most interest
  • discussing whether or not they believe that the study of Spanish has influenced their own identity, and explaining their opinions to others

Systems of language

Recognise that pronunciation, intonation, rhythm and pace assist in fluency and in meaning-making in spoken interactions

[Key concepts: expression, fluency, accents; Key processes: discriminating, emphasising] (ACLSPU192 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • recognising the role of pronunciation, rhythm, word stress, tempo and tone of voice in effective communication, and applying this knowledge to own interactions
  • using challenging letter combinations in written and spoken Spanish, such as ae in aeropuerto, au in Augusto, ll in ballena, r in pero, rr in perro, d in bondad and the soft t in ,
  • noticing how tone can convey emotions and shade meaning, example, ¡Vamos ya! ¡Corre! ¡Tengo miedo del tigre! ¿Te gustaría ir al cine? ¡No te enojes!
  • applying knowledge of pronunciation, intonation, rhythm and pace to own use of spoken Spanish, for example, when reading stories to younger children, asking questions or expressing emotions such as surprise or sadness
Apply complex grammatical rules such as those relating to reflexive verbs and subjunctive and conditional moods, and use cohesive devices to link and extend ideas in own spoken and written texts

[Key concepts: grammatical analysis, metalanguage; Key processes: analysing, manipulating] (ACLSPU193 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • extending the use of negative forms (no voy nunca, en ningún momento, no tengo nada, tú tampoco, no hay nadie) and understanding the difference between a reflexive verb and its corresponding non –reflexive verb, for example, Gerardo se lava la cara (reflexive) and Gerardo lava su carro (non-reflexive)
  • using subjunctive mood to express doubt, uncertainty or emotion, for example, dudo que vengas, siento que estés enferma, me alegra que hayas terminado tus estudios
  • expressing hypothetical events using conditional voice, for example, Sería interesante estudiar chino or Yo viajaría, pero no tengo dinero
  • using cohesive devices to sequence ideas, for example, aunque, a pesar de, sin embargo
  • describing events across time (past, present and future), choosing appropriate tenses
  • developing metalanguage to extend discussion of grammatical features such as word order, tenses and subjunctive mood, and using terms such as ‘verbs’, ‘nouns’, ‘conditional’, ‘subjunctive’ and ‘simple past’
  • describing people and things using:
    • comparatives and superlatives, for example, Ella es la más inteligente de la clase, Este jardín es lindísimo, Este jugo es el peor de todos
    • acronyms, for example, MERCOSUR, EEUU, UE, ONU
    • diminutives, for example, gatito, mesita, negrito
  • persuading, encouraging and advising others by using imperative verb forms, for example, vaya a la cancha, vamos al descanso, piénsalo bien, piénselo bien
  • exploring how word choices (such as selection of particular nouns and adjectives) can indicate values and attitudes, for example, Ese joven no sirve para nada/Es un joven valiente. Ellos son ilegales/Ellos son los refugiados
  • using the pasiva refleja or impersonal form with se for example, Se venden casas, ¿Cómo se dice...?
  • using idiomatic language such as proverbs (Lo cortés no quita lo valiente, El hábito no hace al monje) and idioms (me puse las botas, no pedir peras al olmo)
Discuss the purpose and features of a range of texts, such as informative, argumentative or persuasive texts, using appropriate metalanguage to identify and describe characteristics

[Key concepts: textual features, stylistic devices, perspective; Key processes: analysing, correlating] (ACLSPU194 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • analysing different types of texts, such as television dramas or news bulletins, to demonstrate how language is used to create particular effects such as emotional impact or interest
  • noticing the different conventions that shape texts, for example, the use of descriptive language in travel brochures, emotive language in advertisements, or argument in debates
  • identifying textual conventions associated with types of texts in different cultural contexts, for example, the salutation in an email ("Hola Luis"), informal language in blogs, or rhetorical language in political pamphlets
  • creating sample texts for a resource bank, identifying key features and functions that characterise particular types of texts such as voicemail, slogans, informative articles or short stories
  • comparing spoken and written texts, such as spoken and print advertisements, face-to-face conversations and emails, to understand how their mode shapes their structure and helps the text to achieve its purpose

Language variation and change

Analyse how language use in both spoken and written modes varies according to the geographical location and cultural profile of Spanish-speaking communities

[Key concepts: variation, diversity; Key processes: analysing language, comparing, explaining] (ACLSPU195 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • comparing texts created for different audiences in different Spanish-speaking regions and countries, or for urban and rural communities, noticing how language reflects ideas, concerns and priorities of specific communities, for example, Alturas de Machu Picchu by Pablo Neruda …labrador, tejedor,. pastor callado: domador de guanacos tutelares: albañil del andamio desafiado…
  • investigating varieties of language used by members of different Spanish-speaking communities and how they have changed over time
  • analysing and using language, body language and gestures in culturally appropriate ways specific to Spanish speakers or speakers of Australian English, in forms of expression such as idioms and song lyrics
  • observing that many Spanish speakers are multilingual and regularly shift between languages to achieve different purposes and to draw on additional communicative resources
  • recognising that language is used differently to achieve different purposes, for example, the use of contractions, emoticons and acronyms in text messages for the purpose of speed and economy; the use of slang, specialised or inclusive language to establish shared interest or identity
Understand and analyse the power of language to influence people, actions, values and beliefs

[Key concepts: power, influence; Key processes: reflecting, connecting, critical analysis] (ACLSPU196 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • examining language used in texts such as protest songs, posters and graffiti to identify ways in which language is used for social influence and commentary, for example, “Todo cambia¡No malgaste el agua!
  • analysing examples of language used for social commentary or to influence actions or beliefs, such as emotive language and images in reports on cruelty to children or to animals (la violencia, la negligencia, la intimidación, el abuso, el acoso), and examining how specialised language can create barriers for some members of a language community, for example, legal or medical terms, arts-related expressions or bureaucratic language
  • understanding how language variation can reflect cultural and social identity, and inclusion or exclusion, for example, los refugiados versus los ilegales; the use of jargon or jergas (currar, laburar, estar al loro, ir de marcha, mala onda, tipo, chavo, pibe) to include or exclude; and the inclusive language of political speeches (los ciudadanos y ciudadanas ...)
  • recognising the purpose of particular texts to impact emotionally on others such as by influencing opinions and reactions, for example, in persuasive texts such as advertisements or reviews of a film, concert or fashion show
Investigate the variety of languages used in different communities in the Spanish-speaking world, for example, Mapudungun, Basque/Euskera and Náhuatl

[Key concepts: diversity, status, recognition; Key processes: researching, analysing, discussing] (ACLSPU197 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • recognising that in many Spanish-speaking countries other languages are co-official with Spanish, such as Guaraní in Paraguay, Catalan, Galician and Basque/Euskera in Spain, and Quiché in Guatemala, and investigating the history and issues surrounding such relationships between languages
  • investigating the status and function of indigenous languages in Spanish-speaking countries, considering issues such as language rights, language death, and revival and reclamation efforts, and drawing comparisons with Aboriginal languages and Torres Strait Islander languages in Australia
  • considering how the process of moving between standard/national languages and regional languages such as Catalan or Basque reflects personal, social and political histories
  • considering the development of Spanglish in communities of Spanish speakers and developing awareness of current debates and discussions around such hybrid forms of languages
  • exploring the influence of Latin-American popular culture in the United States and the world, for example, cinema, music and TV channels, telenovelas, sport

Role of language and culture

Understand and describe ways in which language and culture are interrelated and influence each other.

[Key concepts: culture, language, meaning, interdependence; Key processes: discussing, reflecting, comparing] (ACLSPU198 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Sustainability
  • participating in guided discussion and reflection on the nature and role of culture and its relationship with language, noting any shifts in own attitudes, values or understandings about culture, identity and diversity as a consequence of learning and using Spanish
  • developing language for thinking and talking about cultural representation and expression, for example, perspectives, values, images, stereotypes, inclusion and exclusion
  • examining how a concept such as humour is conveyed in Spanish in ways that reflect lifestyles, values or traditions, and discussing how this may be perceived by non-native Spanish speakers
  • exploring language and communicative behaviours associated with particular Spanish-speaking regions or geographic locations to understand how factors such as geography, climate and economic situation shape language practices

Years 9 and 10 Achievement Standards

By the end of Year 10, students use written and spoken Spanish to initiate and sustain interactions with teachers, peers and others in a range of settings and for a range of purposes. They use language spontaneously to offer opinions on social issues and to discuss young people’s interests, behaviours and values across cultural contexts. They justify opinions such as No creo que sea la mejor manera de resolver…, Estoy en contra de esa idea porque…, evaluate perspectives and reflect on their own language learning. They collaboratively plan and organise events and manage diverse views by using the subjunctive mood to express emotion and doubt and give negative commands (for example; Siento que no puedas ir a La Habana, Es posible que compre un reproductor MP3, No pienso que sea … Siento que estés enfermo … ¡No grites tanto!), the imperative mood for commands (for example, Hazlo bien, Toma el jugo/zumo, Escríbeme, Llámala …), and passive voice when appropriate (for example, se cometieron errores). Students locate, analyse, synthesise and evaluate ideas and information on local and global issues from a range of perspectives and sources. They present information using different modes of presentation to suit different audiences and to achieve different purposes. They select appropriate nouns and adjectives to describe values and attitudes identified in different imaginative texts, such as Ese joven no sirve para nada / Es un joven valiente, Ellos son ilegales / Ellos son los refugiados. They produce a variety of imaginative texts that reflect ideas, attitudes or values associated with Spanish-speaking communities, applying knowledge of the imperfect (for example, Cuando era joven vivíamos en Bogotá, Vivía en Granada cuando Pedro se graduó) and conditional tenses (for example, Valdría la pena ver los murales de Diego Rivera). They use grammatical elements such as reflexive verbs (for example, acostarse, cepillarse) and relative pronouns (for example, el amigo que visitamos), and use cohesive devices (for example, sin embargo, por eso, pero) to link and extend ideas, and time markers such as al día siguiente, después de…, más tarde… for sequencing. When translating Spanish, students identify cultural perspectives and explain how they have been represented. They create bilingual texts that reflect aspects of language and culture for both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking audiences. They contribute to mutual understanding when participating in intercultural experiences, and explain how family and cultural traditions shape people’s sense of identity.

Students identify connections between the variety of other languages used in different communities in the Spanish-speaking world and explain some of the variations in Spanish, such as the pronunciation of the letters c, s and z, and different ways of pronouncing ll and y. They use appropriate metalanguage to explain grammatical features such as word order, tenses and subjunctive mood and the purpose and features of different texts, such as informative and persuasive texts. Students analyse the influence of language on peoples’ actions, values and beliefs, including its capacity to include and exclude. They explain ways in which language and culture are interrelated and influence each other.