Student in languages classroom

Spanish

We combine thorough linguistic preparation, genuine enjoyment and regular trips abroad to inspire interest in the Hispanic world.

Spanish at City

Spanish at City ties Hispanic culture and language as much as possible throughout our teaching. We believe that by combining a strong linguistic basis with an insight into media, literature and current affairs our students become truly immersed in this language spoken by nearly 500 million worldwide.

Why study Spanish at City?

We combine thorough linguistic preparation with genuine enjoyment to inspire interest and curiosity about the Hispanic language and world. The department focuses on employing authentic, audiovisual and culturally diverse materials in order to continuously motivate, support and challenge learners. Equally, a strong grounding in grammar is essential to increase the students’ confidence and precision in language.

We also value independent learning projects and the ability to work together for cultural research. From as early as year 7, students get weekly speaking practices with a native language assistant. We also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as cultural and linguistic trips abroad (past trips including year 8 Barcelona, year 10 Granada and Valencia, volunteering in Guatemala, as well as a sixth form to Spain or Latin America), cultural outings, competitions and subscription to Spanish media and resources. Ultimately, our aim is to prepare our students to be competent global citizens through their knowledge of languages and appreciation of foreign cultures.

Our Staff

Ainara Golzarri de Diego, BA (Pais Vasco), PGCE (King's College London)
Head of Spanish; International Coordinator; Teacher of French
Maria Yanez-Lopez, BA (Pontevedra); MA (Northumbria); BA (London)
Teacher of Spanish
Blanca Peris Reig, BA (Castellón), MA (Valencia)
Teacher of Spanish

Curriculum

Students in City classroom

Year 7-9

In years 7–9, Spanish at City is taught through a dynamic and engaging approach that blends high-quality textbooks with authentic materials such as videos, music, articles and cultural resources from across the Spanish-speaking world. From the outset, there is a strong emphasis on communication, helping students to build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing through interactive and enjoyable lessons.

Read More
Students in City classroom

Year 10-11

Throughout the two-year Edexcel IGCSE Spanish course, students develop strong comprehension, written and spoken communication skills while significantly expanding their vocabulary and grammatical knowledge.

Read More
Sixth form students in a lesson

Sixth form

During the two-year A Level Spanish course, students deepen their knowledge of both language and the rich cultural, social and historical context of the Spanish-speaking world. They develop confident and analytical oral and written skills, engaging with authentic texts, films and conversations while expressing increasingly sophisticated ideas in Spanish.

Read More
Photo of the Barbican lake and estate

'Spanish at City is different to any of my other subjects. Not only do I feel inspired by all the teachers, but it is the only lesson where I feel totally immersed in the Spanish culture, despite being in the middle of London.'

Daria, year 7

Beyond the curriculum

Our Spanish programme extends far beyond the classroom, offering students exciting opportunities to experience the language and culture first-hand. In year 8, students can take part in a cultural trip to Málaga and Seville, where they explore historical landmarks, immerse themselves in local traditions and practise their Spanish in real-life contexts. In year 10, we organise a study visit to Valencia during the February half-term. Students stay with host families, attend language classes at a local school and take part in carefully planned cultural visits and excursions, enriching both their linguistic skills and cultural understanding.
Throughout their time at City, students also benefit from a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including cultural outings in London such as visits to the BFI, as well as flamenco workshops, and participation in poetry, drama and debating competitions. For A level students, we offer further opportunities to broaden their global outlook through trips to Spain or Latin America, including the possibility of taking part in voluntary work in Guatemala. These experiences foster independence, confidence and a deep appreciation of the Spanish-speaking world.
CLSG students volunteering in Guatemala

GCSE results 2026

20 August 2026

...

CLSG
Read more View All News
Instagram Post Image

Instagram

Our final day of term was packed with smiles, handstands, sponge baths, our charity fete and so much more. Wishing all our pupils, teachers, staff and wider community a wonderful summer! ☀️

Read more

City Voices

3 July 2026

City Voices logo
Read more