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Sixth Form student says Sí to Spanish Club
Posted: 23/05/25
A Level student Cohen Keeling made a significant impact on wellbeing and inclusion by running a Spanish Club aimed at creating a supportive, low-pressure environment where students of all abilities could explore the language and connect through shared cultural experiences.
Although the Spanish Club had been founded by previous students, it had struggled to gain momentum—until Cohen stepped in. Taking over at the start of the academic year, Cohen brought fresh energy, inclusivity, and creativity to the group, making it a welcoming space for students of all Spanish proficiency levels.
Cohen’s approach focused on peer support rather than formal instruction. By positioning himself as a fellow student rather than a tutor, he created a relaxed environment where students felt comfortable practicing the language without fear of making mistakes.
With support from Spanish tutor Gemma Bramall and a generous grant from the Student Union, the club was able to acquire engaging resources, including Spanish-language editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as games like Spanish Scrabble and themed card decks. These tools helped students contextualise vocabulary and grammar in fun, familiar ways.

Cohen, a Film Studies, History and Spanish student, said: “The club was about making the language real and relevant. My main efforts were put towards putting the language into context, so I taught them about different accents and dialects of Spanish. Multiple students have told me they feel more confident now, and I’ve seen them progress myself.”
Barnsley Sixth Form College is still accepting applications for A Level Spanish course starting in September 2025. For more information about courses available to study, visit www.barnsleysixthformcollege.co.uk, email info@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 123.


