Current and future study and employment (WJEC) - Spanish
UNIT 1 : CURRENT STUDY
A. School/College Life
Typical school/college day
Details:
Discuss the structure of a typical Spanish school day compared to a UK school day.
Include common phrases for times (e.g., a las ocho, a mediodía).
Describe the length of classes and breaks.
Explain the concept of la hora del recreo (break time).
Grammar:
Use of the present tense to describe routines (e.g., Tengo clase de matemáticas a las nueve. - I have maths class at nine).
Use of time expressions (e.g., antes de, después de, durante).
Use of reflexive verbs for routines. (e.g. Me levanto a las siete. - I get up at seven)
Examples:
"Mi día escolar empieza a las ocho y media. Primero, tengo clase de inglés, luego, biología. A mediodía, como en la cafetería." (My school day starts at half past eight. First, I have English class, then biology. At midday, I eat in the cafeteria.)
"Los martes, tengo dos horas de educación física." (On Tuesdays, I have two hours of physical education.)
School/college facilities
Details:
Describe the different areas of the school/college and their functions.
Include vocabulary for specific facilities (e.g., el laboratorio, el gimnasio, el patio).
Describe the use of those facilities.
Grammar:
Use of descriptive adjectives (e.g., la biblioteca grande, el gimnasio moderno).
Use of the verb "hay" to describe what exists in a place. (e.g. En mi colegio hay una biblioteca grande. - In my school there is a big library.)
Examples:
"En mi colegio, tenemos un laboratorio de ciencias muy bien equipado. También, hay un gimnasio grande donde jugamos al baloncesto." (In my school, we have a very well-equipped science lab. Also, there is a large gym where we play basketball.)
"La cafetería es muy popular durante el recreo." (The cafeteria is very popular during break time.)
School/college rules and regulations
Details:
Discuss common rules (e.g., punctuality, behavior, dress code).
Use phrases for expressing rules (e.g., Se debe, Está prohibido).
Discuss consequences for breaking rules.
Grammar:
Use of the impersonal "se" (e.g., Se debe llegar a tiempo. - One must arrive on time).
Use of the infinitive to express rules (e.g., No correr en los pasillos. - Do not run in the hallways).
Use of the conditional tense to express rules. (e.g. Se debería estudiar más. - One should study more.)
Examples:
"En mi colegio, se debe llevar uniforme. Está prohibido usar el móvil en clase." (In my school, one must wear a uniform. It is forbidden to use a mobile phone in class.)
"Si llegas tarde, recibes una detención." (If you arrive late, you receive a detention.)
School/college activities
Details:
List common activities and clubs (e.g., el club de teatro, el equipo de fútbol).
Discuss the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities.
Describe the frequency of those activities.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like participar en, unirse a, practicar.
Use of frequency adverbs. (e.g. siempre, a veces, nunca)
Examples:
"Participo en el club de ajedrez todos los miércoles." (I participate in the chess club every Wednesday.)
"Me gusta mucho jugar al fútbol con el equipo del colegio." (I really like to play football with the school team.)
Relationships
Details:
Describe how students interact with teachers and classmates.
Discuss the importance of friendships at school/college.
Describe common social interactions.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like hablar con, ayudar a, conocer a.
Use of personal pronouns.
Examples:
"Me llevo muy bien con mis compañeros de clase." (I get along very well with my classmates.)
"Mis profesores son muy amables y siempre me ayudan." (My teachers are very kind and always help me.)
School uniform
Details:
Describe the components of the school uniform.
Discuss opinions about wearing a uniform.
Describe the colors of the uniform.
Grammar:
Use of descriptive adjectives for clothing.
Use of verbs like "llevar" (to wear).
Examples:
"En mi colegio, llevamos una camisa blanca, pantalones negros y una chaqueta azul." (In my school, we wear a white shirt, black trousers and a blue jacket.)
"Creo que el uniforme es práctico, pero a veces es aburrido." (I think the uniform is practical, but sometimes it is boring.)
School trips
Details:
Describe places visited on school trips.
Discuss the purpose of school trips.
Describe activities done on school trips.
Grammar:
Use of the preterite tense to describe past trips.
Use of verbs like "visitar" (to visit), "ir a" (to go to).
Examples:
"El año pasado, fuimos a Madrid en un viaje escolar. Visitamos el museo del Prado." (Last year, we went to Madrid on a school trip. We visited the Prado museum.)
"Los viajes escolares son una buena manera de aprender sobre otras culturas." (School trips are a good way to learn about other cultures.)
B. School/College Studies
Core subjects (e.g., maths, science, languages)
Details:
List common core subjects in Spanish schools/colleges.
Discuss a range of optional subjects and their popularity.
Describe the content of specific subjects.
Include vocabulary for school subjects (e.g. matemáticas, ciencias, inglés, historia, geografía, educación física, dibujo, música).
Grammar:
Use of the present tense to describe current studies.
Use of definite and indefinite articles with subject names.
Use of verbs like estudiar, aprender
Examples:
"Estudio matemáticas, ciencias y español. También, he elegido historia y dibujo como asignaturas optativas." (I study maths, science, and Spanish. Also, I have chosen history and drawing as optional subjects.)
"Las ciencias son muy interesantes porque aprendemos sobre el mundo natural." (Sciences are very interesting because we learn about the natural world.)
Learning styles and preferences
Details:
Discuss different learning styles (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
Express preferences for certain learning methods (e.g., group work, individual study).
Describe effective study techniques.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like preferir, aprender, gustar.
Use of adverbs to describe learning (e.g., fácilmente, mejor).
Use of phrases like me gusta aprender...
Examples:
"Prefiero aprender visualmente, así que me gusta usar mapas mentales." (I prefer to learn visually, so I like to use mind maps.)
"Me gusta estudiar en grupo porque podemos ayudarnos mutuamente." (I like to study in a group because we can help each other.)
Exams and assessments
Details:
Describe the types of exams and assessments taken (e.g., written exams, oral exams, coursework).
Discuss the importance of exams and assessments.
Express feelings about exams.
Include vocabulary like exámenes, pruebas, evaluaciones, notas
Grammar:
Use of verbs like hacer, aprobar, suspender, estudiar para.
Use of adjectives to describe exams (e.g., difícil, fácil, importante).
Use of the future tense when discussing future exams.
Examples:
"Tengo que estudiar mucho para mis exámenes finales." (I have to study a lot for my final exams.)
"Los exámenes orales me ponen muy nervioso." (Oral exams make me very nervous.)
Reasons for studying certain subjects
Details:
Discuss personal reasons for choosing certain subjects.
Describe career aspirations related to subject choices.
Explain the importance of certain subjects for future opportunities.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like querer, desear, necesitar, elegir.
Use of phrases like para ser, para trabajar como.
Use of the future tense to talk about future goals.
Examples:
"Estudio ciencias porque quiero ser médico." (I study sciences because I want to be a doctor.)
"He elegido español porque creo que es importante para el futuro." (I have chosen Spanish because I think it is important for the future.)
The importance of education
Details:
Discuss the benefits of education for personal and professional development.
Describe the role of education in society.
Express opinions about the value of education.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like aprender, desarrollar, contribuir.
Use of abstract nouns like educación, conocimiento, oportunidad.
Use of phrases like es importante que...
Examples:
"La educación es importante para tener un buen futuro." (Education is important to have a good future.)
"Creo que la educación nos ayuda a desarrollar nuestras habilidades." (I think education helps us to develop our skills.)
School equipment
Details:
List common school equipment.
Describe the use of different equipment.
Express opinions on the availability and quality of equipment.
Grammar:
Use of nouns related to school supplies (e.g. bolígrafo, lápiz, cuaderno, libro, ordenador).
Use of verbs like necesitar, usar, tener.
Use of adjectives to describe equipment (e.g. nuevo, viejo, útil).
Examples:
"Necesito un bolígrafo y un cuaderno para la clase de español." (I need a pen and a notebook for Spanish class.)
"En mi colegio, tenemos ordenadores nuevos en la biblioteca." (In my school, we have new computers in the library.)
UNIT 2: ENTERPRISE, EMPLOYABILITY AND FUTURE PLANS
A. Employment
Part-time jobs
Details:
Describe common part-time jobs for students (e.g., repartidor de periódicos, dependiente en una tienda, camarero/camarera).
Discuss the benefits and challenges of having a part-time job.
Describe the typical hours and pay.
Include vocabulary such as trabajo a tiempo parcial, sueldo, horario.
Grammar:
Use of the present tense to describe current part-time jobs.
Use of verbs like trabajar, ganar, ayudar.
Use of adverbs of frequency (e.g., a veces, siempre).
Examples:
"Trabajo como camarero los fines de semana. Gano un poco de dinero para mis gastos." (I work as a waiter on weekends. I earn a little money for my expenses.)
"A veces, trabajo como repartidor de periódicos antes de ir al colegio." (Sometimes, I work as a newspaper delivery person before going to school.)
Work experience
Details:
Describe the importance of work experience.
Discuss different types of work experience placements.
Describe the skills gained from work experience.
Include vocabulary like experiencia laboral, prácticas, habilidades.
Grammar:
Use of the past tense to describe past work experience.
Use of verbs like aprender, hacer, desarrollar.
Use of the perfect tense. (e.g. He hecho prácticas en...)
Examples:
"El año pasado, hice prácticas en una oficina. Aprendí mucho sobre el mundo laboral." (Last year, I did work experience in an office. I learned a lot about the working world.)
"La experiencia laboral es muy importante para conseguir un buen trabajo." (Work experience is very important to get a good job.)
Skills for employment
Details:
Discuss essential skills for the workplace (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving).
Describe how these skills are developed.
Explain the importance of language skills in the workplace.
Include vocabulary like habilidades, comunicación, trabajo en equipo, resolver problemas.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like desarrollar, mejorar, necesitar.
Use of adjectives to describe skills (e.g., importante, útil, necesario).
Examples:
"Es importante tener buenas habilidades de comunicación para trabajar en equipo." (It is important to have good communication skills to work in a team.)
"Aprender español me ayudará a conseguir un trabajo en una empresa internacional." (Learning Spanish will help me get a job in an international company.)
The world of work
Details:
Discuss the changing nature of work.
Describe different work environments.
Explain the importance of job satisfaction.
Include vocabulary like entorno laboral, satisfacción laboral, cambios.
Grammar:
Use of the present tense to describe the current work enviroment.
Use of verbs like cambiar, adaptarse, disfrutar.
Use of abstract nouns.
Examples:
"El mundo laboral está cambiando rápidamente debido a la tecnología." (The world of work is changing rapidly due to technology.)
"Es importante disfrutar de tu trabajo." (It is important to enjoy your work.)
Applying for jobs
Details:
Describe the process of applying for a job (e.g., writing a CV/resume, attending an interview).
Discuss the importance of a good CV/resume.
Describe how to prepare for an interview.
Include vocabulary like solicitar un trabajo, currículum vitae, entrevista.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like escribir, solicitar, prepararse.
Use of the imperative for giving advice.
Use of the perfect tense when talking about prior actions in applications.
Examples:
"Tienes que escribir un buen currículum vitae para solicitar un trabajo." (You have to write a good CV/resume to apply for a job.)
"He solicitado un trabajo en una tienda de ropa." (I have applied for a job in a clothes shop.)
B. Skills and Personal Qualities
Communication Skills
Details:
Discuss the importance of both written and verbal communication in the workplace.
Describe how to develop effective communication skills (e.g., active listening, clear speaking).
Explain the role of language skills in international communication.
Include vocabulary like comunicación verbal, comunicación escrita, escuchar, hablar.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like comunicar, expresar, entender.
Use of adverbs to describe communication (e.g., claramente, eficazmente).
Use of the subjunctive when expressing the need for someone to communicate. (e.g. Es necesario que comuniques claramente.)
Examples:
"Es importante comunicar tus ideas claramente a tus compañeros de trabajo." (It is important to communicate your ideas clearly to your co-workers.)
"Saber español me permite comunicarme con personas de otros países." (Knowing Spanish allows me to communicate with people from other countries.)
Teamwork and Collaboration
Details:
Discuss the benefits of working effectively in a team.
Describe how to contribute positively to a team (e.g., sharing ideas, supporting others).
Explain the importance of respecting different perspectives.
Include vocabulary like trabajo en equipo, colaborar, apoyar, respetar.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like colaborar, compartir, ayudar.
Use of phrases like trabajar juntos, ponerse de acuerdo.
Use of reflexive verbs when showing cooperation. (e.g. Nos ayudamos mutuamente.)
Examples:
"En un buen equipo, todos colaboran para alcanzar el objetivo." (In a good team, everyone collaborates to achieve the goal.)
"Es importante respetar las opiniones de los demás cuando trabajas en equipo." (It is important to respect the opinions of others when you work in a team.)
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Details:
Discuss the ability to identify and solve problems effectively.
Describe how to develop critical thinking skills (e.g., analyzing information, evaluating options).
Explain the importance of being able to think creatively.
Include vocabulary like resolver problemas, pensamiento crítico, analizar, evaluar.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like analizar, evaluar, resolver, pensar.
Use of conditional sentences to explore potential solutions.
Use of abstract nouns relating to thought processes.
Examples:
"Es importante analizar la situación antes de tomar una decisión." (It is important to analyze the situation before making a decision.)
"Necesitamos resolver este problema de forma creativa." (We need to solve this problem creatively.)
Time Management and Organization
Details:
Discuss the ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
Describe how to stay organized and meet deadlines.
Explain the importance of being punctual.
Include vocabulary like gestión del tiempo, organización, priorizar, plazos.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like organizar, planificar, cumplir.
Use of time expressions (e.g., a tiempo, antes de, después de).
Use of the imperative to give organizational instructions.
Examples:
"Es importante planificar tu tiempo para cumplir con los plazos." (It is important to plan your time to meet deadlines.)
"Organiza tus tareas por orden de prioridad." (Organize your tasks by order of priority.)
Personal Qualities
Details:
Discuss the importance of personal qualities like responsibility, reliability, and adaptability.
Describe how these qualities contribute to success in the workplace.
Explain the importance of being motivated and enthusiastic.
Include vocabulary like responsabilidad, fiabilidad, adaptabilidad, motivación, entusiasmo.
Grammar:
Use of adjectives to describe personal qualities (e.g., responsable, fiable, adaptable, motivado, entusiasta).
Use of abstract nouns to describe qualities.
Use of verbs that show personal attributes. (e.g. ser, mostrar)
Examples:
"La responsabilidad es una cualidad importante en cualquier trabajo." (Responsibility is an important quality in any job.)
"Mostrar entusiasmo en el trabajo es muy positivo." (Showing enthusiasm at work is very positive.)
Adaptability and Resilience
Details:
Discuss the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges.
Describe how to develop resilience and learn from setbacks.
Explain the importance of being open to new ideas and experiences.
Include vocabulary like adaptabilidad, resiliencia, superar, desafíos.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like adaptarse, superar, aprender.
Use of phrases like ser flexible, afrontar los retos.
Use of the subjunctive to show doubt about future events.
Examples:
"Es importante ser adaptable en un mundo laboral que cambia constantemente." (It is important to be adaptable in a constantly changing work world.)
"Debemos aprender a superar los desafíos con resiliencia." (We must learn to overcome challenges with resilience.)
C. Post-16 Studies
Types of Post-16 Education
Details:
Describe different options available after GCSEs, such as A-levels, vocational courses (e.g., BTECs), and apprenticeships.
Discuss the differences between academic and vocational pathways.
Explain the concept of bachillerato in Spanish-speaking countries.
Include vocabulary like bachillerato, formación profesional, aprendizaje, nivel A.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like elegir, estudiar, seguir.
Use of the future tense to discuss future study plans.
Use of the conditional tense when talking about hypothetical studies.
Examples:
"Después de mis GCSEs, me gustaría estudiar nivel A en matemáticas y español." (After my GCSEs, I would like to study A-levels in maths and Spanish.)
"En España, los estudiantes hacen el bachillerato antes de ir a la universidad." (In Spain, students do the bachillerato before going to university.)
"Si no quiero ir a la universidad, podría elegir la formación profesional." (If I don't want to go to university, I could choose vocational training.)
University and Higher Education
Details:
Describe the process of applying to university.
Discuss different types of university courses and degrees.
Explain the concept of student life and campus culture.
Include vocabulary like universidad, carrera universitaria, solicitud, campus.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like solicitar, estudiar, graduarse.
Use of the future tense to discuss university plans.
Use of the perfect tense when talking about completed studies.
Examples:
"Me gustaría ir a la universidad para estudiar medicina." (I would like to go to university to study medicine.)
"El próximo año, voy a solicitar plaza en varias universidades." (Next year, I am going to apply for places at several universities.)
"Cuando me gradúe, buscaré un trabajo en un hospital." (When I graduate, I will look for a job in a hospital.)
Studying Languages Post-16
Details:
Discuss the benefits of continuing to study languages after GCSEs.
Explain how language skills can enhance career prospects and travel opportunities.
Describe different options for studying languages at A-level and university.
Include vocabulary like idiomas, oportunidades laborales, viajar, nivel avanzado.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like aprender, hablar, utilizar.
Use of phrases like para mejorar mis oportunidades, para viajar por el mundo.
Use of the subjunctive to express desires relating to language learning.
Examples:
"Estudiar idiomas me abrirá muchas puertas en el futuro." (Studying languages will open many doors for me in the future.)
"Quiero seguir aprendiendo español para poder viajar por Latinoamérica." (I want to continue learning Spanish so I can travel through Latin America.)
"Es importante que hablemos otros idiomas." (It is important that we speak other languages.)
D. Career Plans
Career Options
Details:
Describe how to research different career paths, including job descriptions, required qualifications, and salary expectations.
Discuss the importance of using online resources, career fairs, and networking.
Explain how to gather information about the job market.
Include vocabulary like investigar, opciones laborales, cualificaciones, salario.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like investigar, buscar, informarse.
Use of the infinitive to express purpose (e.g., para informarse, para buscar).
Use of the conditional tense to discuss possible employment.
Examples:
"Debes investigar las cualificaciones necesarias para ser médico." (You must research the qualifications needed to be a doctor.)
"Voy a buscar información sobre diferentes opciones laborales en internet." (I am going to look for information about different career options on the internet.)
"Si tuviera las cualificaciones adecuadas, trabajaría como ingeniero." (If I had the right qualifications, I would work as an engineer.)
Setting Career Goals
Details:
Discuss the importance of setting short-term and long-term career goals.
Describe how to create a plan to achieve these goals.
Explain the importance of being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Include vocabulary like metas profesionales, planificar, adaptable, flexibilidad.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like planificar, establecer, alcanzar.
Use of the future tense to discuss future goals.
Use of the subjunctive to express desires for the future.
Examples:
"Es importante establecer metas profesionales realistas." (It is important to set realistic career goals.)
"Voy a planificar mis estudios para alcanzar mi meta de ser abogado." (I am going to plan my studies to achieve my goal of being a lawyer.)
"Quiero que mi trabajo me permita viajar por el mundo." (I want my job to allow me to travel the world.)
Networking and Mentoring
Details:
Discuss the importance of networking with professionals in chosen fields.
Describe how to find and build relationships with mentors.
Explain how networking and mentoring can provide valuable career advice and opportunities.
Include vocabulary like contactos profesionales, mentor, consejo, oportunidades.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like contactar, conocer, pedir consejo.
Use of conditional sentences to express possible outcomes of networking.
Use of indirect object pronouns.
Examples:
"Es importante contactar con profesionales en tu campo de interés." (It is important to contact professionals in your field of interest.)
"Si conoces a un mentor, puedes pedirle consejo sobre tu carrera." (If you know a mentor, you can ask them for advice about your career.)
"Mis contactos me han dado muchas oportunidades de trabajo." (My contacts have given me many work opportunities.)
Developing a Career Portfolio
Details:
Describe how to create a career portfolio that showcases skills, experiences, and achievements.
Discuss the importance of including examples of work, certificates, and references.
Explain how to use a career portfolio when applying for jobs or further education.
Include vocabulary like portafolio profesional, habilidades, experiencias, referencias.
Grammar:
Use of verbs like crear, incluir, mostrar.
Use of the imperative to give instructions.
Use of the perfect tense to show prior achievements.
Examples:
"Debes crear un portafolio profesional para mostrar tus habilidades." (You must create a professional portfolio to show your skills.)
"Mi portafolio incluye ejemplos de mis trabajos y mis certificados." (My portfolio includes examples of my work and my certificates.)
"He incluido todas mis referencias en mi portafolio." (I have included all my references in my portfolio.)