Spanish is one of our most popular tutored subjects as it continues to gain popularity with students year after year. Spanish exam entries increased by a significant 7.5% in 2020 and this trend is growing. Of those that study Spanish at GCSE, a higher percentage of students continue to study the language at A level.
As Spain remains a popular choice for family holidays, students who are have tuition classes with us quite often have some knowledge about Spain and the Spanish way of life. This, coupled with interesting and topical issues studied in school (such as the environment, social media, friendships and careers) can make for a great grounding.
We tutor Spanish to children as young as 5, who are keen to explore the language further alongside their English development. It's not uncommon to see children continue with these classes up to GCSE or A level as their confidence and enjoyment increases. Our students typically have classes at school, at after school clubs or have been learning independently at home. Others are private candidates and come to us as we can guide them through the exam application process as well as tuition lessons.
Generally speaking, Spanish tuition at most levels is focused on grammar, verbs and vocabulary although all core modules of reading, writing, speaking and listening will be covered. Having a tutor who can support your child to fill in knowledge gaps and who have experience of the syllabus, module guidelines and grade boundaries, is greatly reassuring. Syllabi, examinations and assessments are susceptible to changing frameworks and so parents and pupils will have peace of mind that we are up to date with these changes.
Depending on level, most Spanish tuition lessons will follow the following format:
1. Lesson recap – from last week’s class in case there are any follow-up questions
2. Syllabus topic work – we’ll study a topic on the syllabus covering key vocabulary, useful verbs, model Q&A’s and how best to learn these.
3. Grammar and verbs – we’ll always study these components during every lesson
4. Past exam paper practice (if applicable) – we’ll study past papers and exam techniques to consolidate revision strategies and maximise grades
5. Homework – there will be homework most weeks and students will be given access to the lesson resources, handouts and message board corrections made in class.
Answering questions in context and approaching different styles of questions, e.g. gap fill, translation, matching up and comprehensions.
Improving skills with essay planning techniques and using higher tier sentence starters, opinions, connecting words and a variety of tenses.
Fill in any knowledge gaps by revising and applying relevant topical terminology and synonyms to improve fluency.
Revising key grammatical constructions and the appropriate use of verbs and tenses.
Practise ideas on (dis)advantages, causes, consequences and solutions for all syllabus topics.
Sharpen audio skills by practising appropriate activities and past papers and understanding how to extract what’s relevant.
Access to downloadable templates, handouts, study guides, winning formulas and acronyms.
Practising past exam papers for reading, writing, speaking and listening relevant to the exam board.
Understanding what examiners are looking for by adhering to mark scheme guidelines in order to achieve higher tier marks.
Speaking and writing techniques to expand sentences, justify points of view and defend opinions.
Improve oral skills for effective planning and delivery with less nerves and more confidence. (IRP preparation for A level students).
Revising character analysis, themes and critical thinking for essay writing practice (for A level students).
I got 2 A*s and an A!! The A*s are in Economics and History and the A was in Spanish. Thanks so much for all your help, I really don’t think I could’ve achieved this grade without you. Thanks, Hatty
My son really feels that he has benefited from the 1:1 sessions with Drew and Bieito. Very well organised and excellent admin. Would definitely recommend.
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