Introduction
Spanish is included in Language and Languages, which is one of the essential learning areas of The New Zealand Curriculum Framework.
All students benefit from learning another language from the earliest practicable age. Such learning broadens students' general language abilities and brings their own language into sharper focus. It enriches them intellectually, socially, and culturally, offers an understanding of the ways in which other people think and behave, and furthers international relations and trade. Students will be able to choose from a range of Pacific, Asian, and European languages, all of which are important to New Zealand's regional and international interests.
The New Zealand Curriculum Framework, page 10
Purpose
The purpose of Spanish in the New Zealand Curriculum is to provide teachers with a basis from which to plan programmes for learning and teaching the Spanish language in New Zealand schools.
In keeping with the principles of The New Zealand Curriculum Framework, primary schools or schools with years 7–13 students may wish to use this statement to guide the development of Spanish language programmes.
The curriculum statement is not a classroom programme in itself, nor does it provide the specific detail which would be included in a teachers' programme planning guide. It is designed to provide continuity and a clear progression of achievement. It sets out specific goals, which will help students to become aware of what they have already achieved and what they can aim to achieve in the future.
This curriculum statement:
- supports the integration of the language strands in teaching practice
- affirms the importance of using language for communicative purposes
- encourages learning and teaching which is responsive to individual needs.
Content
This statement provides achievement objectives at eight levels, which are organised in terms of communication functions and divided into the strands of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These strands indicate the language necessary for students to perform the various communication functions as they progress in learning the Spanish language.
Also included in this statement are ideas for learning, teaching, assessment, and possible cultural experiences, as well as suggested structures and vocabulary. These are not exhaustive lists of ideas – they are intended only as examples, to suggest possible directions for teachers in their planning.