Why should I study this subject?
GCSE Spanish is a valuable and rewarding subject that helps students develop strong communication, thinking and problem-solving skills. Learning a language shows determination and adaptability, qualities that are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers.
Studying Spanish also gives students the chance to explore a vibrant global culture. It allows them to enjoy a wider range of films, music, books and online content, while building the confidence to communicate with Spanish speakers around the world.
Learning Spanish encourages curiosity, cultural awareness and independence. For many students, it is a challenging but enjoyable subject that builds useful skills and opens up exciting opportunities for the future.
What will I study?
The course focuses on developing the four key language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – through key themes.
Core Topics
- My Personal World – family, friends, routines, time frames
- Lifestyle & Wellbeing – health, food, habits, social issues
- My Neighbourhood – local area, directions, activities
- Media & Technology – social media, entertainment, online life
- Studying & My Future – education, careers, ambitions
- Travel & Tourism – holidays, culture, transport
All GCSE content in Years 10–11 builds on prior learning from Key Stage 3.
Key Skills
- Listening – understanding spoken Spanish
- Speaking – conversations, presentations, picture-based tasks
- Reading – comprehension of written texts
- Writing – structured responses from sentences to paragraphs
How will I be assessed?
The exam board for Spanish is Edexcel. The qualification is made up of four components, all assessed in the May/June examination series, with the speaking assessment taking place in April/May. Each component contributes 25% to the overall grade.
The qualification consists of three externally-examined papers separately assessing listening, reading and writing, and one speaking assessment set by Pearson and conducted by a teacher.
Paper 1: Speaking
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Speaking assessment: 7–9 minutes (Foundation), 10–12 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 2: Listening and Understanding
- Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation), 60 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 3: Reading
- Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation), 60 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 3: Writing
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes (Foundation), 1 hour 20 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
Yes. There is a foundation tier with grades from 1-5 and a higher tier with grades 4-9. Decisions on entries are made after extensive testing of pupils throughout the course and in consultation with pupils and parents where appropriate.
Students need to be entered for a single tier across all papers.
Are there trips or enrichment opportunities?
TBC
Will the course be a good preparation for post-16 study?
This course helps you build confidence in learning new skills, thinking clearly, and expressing your ideas. It prepares you for A levels such as Spanish and other languages by developing strong communication, memory, and problem-solving skills. You will learn how to understand new information and use it accurately, which will support you in many post-16 subjects and give you valuable skills for future study and careers.
What are the next steps?
To study GCSE Spanish, you will need to choose it from the Option 3 block. For further information about the subject, please email
