Curriculum
This specification will first be taught from September 2024.
Why study GCSE Spanish?
The aims of the course are to enable students to develop an understanding of Spanish in a variety of contexts. It also allows students to increase their knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and structures, to transfer language learning skills and to communicate effectively in Spanish. Finally, the course aims at helping students to understand countries and communities where Spanish is spoken.
GCSE Spanish FAQ's
What will I learn?
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based:
Theme 1 : People and lifestyle
Theme 2 : Popular culture
Theme 3 : Communication and the world around us
Each of these broad themes is broken down further into sub-topics which we cover over the 2-year course. Many of the topics will have been covered briefly in Years 7-9, allowing us to study and analyse a topic in much more depth over the GCSE.
A new feature of the GCSE is the emphasis placed on cultural awareness. Students will be learning about the customs and traditions of Spanish speaking countries alongside the more traditional language structures, vocabulary and grammar.
What course will I follow?
AQA GCSE Spanish (8692)
How will I be assessed?
There are two tiers of entry: Foundation (Grades 1-5) or Higher (Grades 4-9)
(25% of GCSE)
What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
Recording controlled by the invigilator with built-in repetitions and pauses. Each exam includes 5 minutes’ reading time at the start of the question paper before the listening material is played and 2 minutes at the end of the recording for students to check their work. |
Questions
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(25% of GCSE)
What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
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Questions The format is the same at Foundation tier and Higher tier, but with different stimulus materials for the Role-play and the Reading aloud task. For the Photo card task, the same photos are used at both tiers.
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(25% of GCSE)
What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
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Questions
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(25% of GCSE)
What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
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Questions Foundation tier
Higher tier
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What skills or equipment will I need?
The qualification requires students to:
- Develop the ability to listen to and understand spoken Spanish in a range of contexts and variety of style
- Communicate in speech for a variety of purposes
- Read and respond to different types of written language
- Communicate in writing for a variety of purposes
- Understand and apply a range of vocabulary and structures
- Develop language learning and communication skills which can be applied broadly
Where can GCSE Spanish lead to?
Studying Spanish at GCSE level isn’t just about mastering another language; it’s about opening doors to a world of exciting career opportunities. Spanish is the second most spoken language globally, so being fluent can give you a big advantage in a variety of jobs. Whether you’re interested in international business, travel and tourism, diplomacy, or even translation, having Spanish skills on your CV can make you stand out to employers. In today’s globalized world, being able to communicate in Spanish not only expands your job options but also shows that you’re culturally aware and adaptable – qualities that employers really value. So, by choosing GCSE Spanish, you’re not just learning a language; you’re investing in your future and setting yourself up for success in a world where language skills can make all the difference.
A GCSE in Spanish can lead to a variety of careers across different sectors. Some potential career paths include:
Translator/Interpreter: With proficiency in Spanish, you can work as a translator or interpreter, facilitating communication between Spanish-speaking individuals and those who speak other languages in various settings such as conferences, courtrooms, or business meetings.
Tourism and Hospitality: In the tourism and hospitality industry, knowing Spanish can be invaluable. You could work as a tour guide, hotel manager, travel agent, or flight attendant, catering to Spanish-speaking tourists or clients.
International Business: Many multinational companies conduct business in Spanish-speaking countries. With Spanish language skills, you could pursue careers in international business, including roles in marketing, sales, customer service, or international relations.
Education: A GCSE in Spanish can also lead to opportunities in education. You could become a Spanish language teacher, teaching at primary or secondary schools, language academies, or even as a private tutor.
Diplomacy and International Relations: Governments and international organizations often seek individuals with language skills for diplomatic roles. With Spanish proficiency, you could work as a diplomat, foreign service officer, or international development specialist.
Journalism and Media: Spanish-language media outlets, both traditional and digital, offer opportunities for journalists, writers, editors, and content creators. Being fluent in Spanish can open doors to careers in reporting, editing, or producing content for Spanish-speaking audiences.
Healthcare: In regions with large Spanish-speaking populations, such as the United States or parts of Europe, healthcare professionals who speak Spanish are in high demand. You could work as a doctor, nurse, therapist, or social worker, providing care to Spanish-speaking patients.
These are just a few examples, but the versatility of Spanish language skills means that there are many other career paths where proficiency in Spanish can be beneficial.
How can i support my child with Spanish?
Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their children’s study of Spanish GCSE in several ways:
Encourage Consistent Practice: Encourage your child to practice Spanish regularly, whether it’s through daily vocabulary drills, conversations at home, or using language learning apps. Offer positive reinforcement and praise for their efforts.
Provide Resources: Supply your child with resources such as textbooks, online courses, or language learning software to supplement their learning. Consider hiring a tutor or enrolling them in extracurricular Spanish classes if feasible.
Create a Language-Rich Environment: Expose your child to the Spanish language outside of the classroom by watching Spanish-language movies or TV shows together, listening to Spanish music, or reading Spanish books or articles.
Support Homework Completion: Ensure that your child completes their Spanish homework on time and provide assistance when needed. Offer to review their work, help with grammar exercises, or practice speaking and listening skills with them.
Celebrate Progress: Celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones in their Spanish studies, whether it’s mastering a difficult grammar concept, achieving a high score on a test, or successfully holding a conversation in Spanish.
Lead by Example: If you know Spanish or are learning alongside your child, practice speaking with them and demonstrate a positive attitude towards language learning. Show them that learning a new language is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s Spanish teacher to monitor their progress and address any concerns or challenges they may be facing. Attend parent-teacher conferences and ask for feedback on how you can further support your child’s learning.
Provide a Supportive Environment: Create a supportive and encouraging environment at home where your child feels comfortable making mistakes and taking risks in their language learning journey. Offer constructive feedback and encouragement to keep them motivated.
By actively supporting and engaging with your child’s Spanish studies, you can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their GCSE and beyond.
