Spanish

Exam Board

Edexcel (https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/spanish-2024.html)

 

Why do I have to study Combined Science?

 

  • Boosts Communication Skills: Speaking another language opens up so many doors when it comes to communicating with people. Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world (around 460 million people speak it!), so knowing it gives you the chance to connect with a huge global community.
  • Career Advantage: In today’s global job market, being bilingual is a massive plus. Many businesses and organizations work internationally, and being able to speak Spanish could make you stand out, whether you’re in travel, international relations, tech, or even marketing.
  • Cultural Appreciation: Spanish-speaking countries have rich cultures, histories, and traditions, from food to festivals to art. Understanding the language gives you a deeper connection to these cultures, making things like travel, films, music, and literature way more enjoyable.
  • Brain Power: Learning a second language helps improve your cognitive abilities, like problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. It’s like a workout for your brain. Plus, it can even help with learning other languages in the future!
  • It’s a Requirement: In the UK, learning a language is part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum (if you're taking GCSEs). Plus, many colleges and universities prefer or even require a language GCSE for certain courses or just for general admissions.

 

How will I be examined?

 

Paper 1: Speaking in Spanish

Internally conducted and externally assessed:

Foundation tier: 7-9 minutes plus 15 minutes’ preparation time; 50 marks

Higher tier: 10-12 minutes plus 15 minutes’ preparation time; 50 marks

25% of the qualification

 

Paper 2: Listening and understanding in Spanish

Written examination:

Foundation tier: 45 minutes, including 5 minutes’ reading time, 50 marks

Higher tier: 60 minutes, including 5 minutes’ reading time, 50 marks

25% of the qualification

 

Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Spanish

Written examination:

Foundation tier: 45 minutes, 50 marks

Higher tier: 60 minutes, 50 marks

25% of the qualification

 

 

Paper 4: Writing in Spanish

Written examination:

Foundation tier: 1 hour 15 minutes; 50 marks.

Higher tier: 1 hour 20 minutes; 50 marks.

25% of the qualification

 

What will I study? 

Six broad thematic contexts which will provide a focus for the teaching and learning of the vocabulary and grammar listed:

 

  • My personal world
  • Lifestyle and wellbeing
  • My neighbourhood
  • Media and technology
  • Studying and my future
  • Travel and tourism

 

Recommended text books, additional reading 

 

  • Pearson REVISE Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Spanish Revision Guide

  

Recommended online resources

 

 

 

Department contact:

Jacqueline Smith - Head of Spanish (Jacqueline.Smith1@londonenterpriseacademy.org)