DHSZ Open Class Ep.06 - Spanish
Spanning continents and cultures, Dulwich International High School Suzhou opens up a vibrant world of Spanish to the students. Here, students not only learn the language but also learn about and experience the different cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. As the seventh episode of our Open Class series, today we take you into Ms Maria Villaescusa's Spanish classroom for a glimpse of another foreign culture!
01 What is the Class About
In our Spanish class at DHSZ, students embark on an exciting journey that encompasses both the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. The course aims to equip students with the necessary skills to communicate effectively in Spanish, both in speaking and writing, while also delving into various aspects of Spanish and South American cultures. From mastering the basics of the language to exploring topics such as daily life, hobbies, education, health, and travel, students gain practical knowledge that empowers them to express themselves in real-life situations.
Furthermore, the Spanish class prepares students for their IGCSE exam, ensuring they are well-prepared to achieve academic success. Alongside language proficiency, students also learn about the vibrant festivals and delectable cuisine that form an integral part of Spanish and South American cultures. By immersing themselves in these cultural aspects, students develop a broader understanding and appreciation for the diversity and richness of the Spanish-speaking world.
02 Teaching Style
The Spanish class at DHSZ follows an engaging and interactive teaching style that caters to different learning preferences. With a focus on movement and varied activities, students are encouraged to actively participate in the learning process. Each class incorporates group work and individual tasks to foster teamwork, pair work skills, and overall confidence in using the Spanish language.
To excel in the Spanish class, students are encouraged to put in dedicated efforts beyond the classroom. They are expected to review and complete video tasks and written assignments, ensuring that their language skills are reinforced consistently. Additionally, special activities like singing Spanish songs and engaging in Christmas-themed tasks such as escape rooms and writing cards create an enjoyable and immersive learning experience.
03 Education Philosophy
Our Spanish class aims to cultivate essential abilities and skills in students while providing the necessary support for their growth. One such skill is resilience, which plays a crucial role in language learning. Students are encouraged to establish a daily routine for reviewing vocabulary and language concepts, fostering discipline and persistence in their studies. By dedicating a specific time each day to Spanish, students create a habit that helps solidify their language skills.
Open-mindedness is another core value promoted in the Spanish class. Students are encouraged to work with different partners, fostering an environment of collaboration and learning from one another. Embracing diverse perspectives and approaches enhances the overall language learning experience and prepares students for real-world interactions.
Furthermore, emphasis is placed on quality notetaking as a practical skill. Through organized and focused revision facilitated by well-structured notes, students are able to navigate the Spanish class with clarity and achieve success.
04 Advice from Ms Villaescusa
Ms Villaescusa provides valuable advice to students passionate about Spanish. She emphasises the importance of not only studying vocabulary and engaging in reading and writing exercises but also having fun with the language, “Not only do you need to learn the new words and practice and do the exercises, you should also be having fun with the language because Spanish is a living language. So online, find some music you enjoy, find some TV show that you enjoy. You can watch it with subtitles. You can find some videos online about any topic that you like and just have some fun with the language. My best students are always the students who spend time learning the Lyrics to the songs.”
