What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Spanish?

Always support arguments with concrete examples from Spanish-speaking countries, such as the reception of Venezuelan immigrants in Spain.

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Spanish? (2)

In essay responses, structure paragraphs around a clear topic sentence and connect them with discourse markers.

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Spanish? (3)

For the speaking exam, prepare a range of statistics and real-life case studies to back up viewpoints spontaneously.

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Spanish? (4)

Use the subjunctive mood after verbs of emotion or denial to demonstrate grammatical range.

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Spanish? (5)

Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Spanish?

Over-generalising about immigrant experiences without differentiation by origin or status.

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Spanish? (2)

Confusing temporary migration with permanent settlement or asylum seeking.

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Spanish? (3)

Relying on simplistic vocabulary (e.g., 'ilegal' vs. 'irregular') that lacks political sensitivity.

Spanish

AQA

A-Level

Specification: 7692

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%

Understand and respond to spoken language including face-to-face interaction

AO2

25%

Understand and respond to written language drawn from a variety of sources

AO3

30%

Manipulate the language accurately, in spoken and written forms, using a range of lexis and structure

AO4

20%

Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

AQA

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Over-generalising about immigrant experiences without differentiation by origin or status.
•Confusing temporary migration with permanent settlement or asylum seeking.
•Relying on simplistic vocabulary (e.g., 'ilegal' vs. 'irregular') that lacks political sensitivity.
•Failing to use appropriate accent marks in key terms like 'migración' or 'integración'.
•Failing to provide specific examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
•Relying on generalisations rather than critical analysis of social trends.
•Neglecting to link social issues to their cultural and historical context.
•Inadequate use of complex language or structures when discussing abstract social concepts.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always support arguments with concrete examples from Spanish-speaking countries, such as the reception of Venezuelan immigrants in Spain.
•In essay responses, structure paragraphs around a clear topic sentence and connect them with discourse markers.
•For the speaking exam, prepare a range of statistics and real-life case studies to back up viewpoints spontaneously.
•Use the subjunctive mood after verbs of emotion or denial to demonstrate grammatical range.
•Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.
•Use a range of sources, including online media, to support your arguments.
•In the speaking exam, be prepared to justify your opinions and defend your findings with relevant evidence.
•Ensure you can use complex language and a wide range of vocabulary to express critical and analytical viewpoints.

Specification Topics

6 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic delves into the multifaceted phenomenon of immigration in Spain, exploring its historical roots, socio-economic impacts, and cultural implications. Learners critically examine patterns of legal and irregular migration, the integration challenges faced by immigrant communities, and the evolving political and public discourse surrounding immigration. The content equips students with the linguistic tools and analytical frameworks to discuss these issues fluently in Spanish, linking them to broader themes of identity, diversity, and social cohesion.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Social issues and trends

This sub-theme explores the multicultural nature of Hispanic society, focusing on the dynamics of immigration, the challenges of racism, and the integration of different cultures, religions, and educational systems within Spanish-speaking countries.

Multiculturalism in Hispanic society, Aspects of Hispanic society

0 objectives8 tips4 pitfalls2 subtopics

Political and artistic culture

This sub-theme explores the political landscape of the Hispanic world, focusing on the engagement of young people in politics, the historical and contemporary context of monarchies and dictatorships, and the role of popular movements in social change.

Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world, Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls2 subtopics

Grammar

The AS grammar section covers the essential grammatical system and structures required for the AS level, building upon GCSE knowledge. It includes comprehensive coverage of nouns, articles, adjectives, numerals, adverbs, quantifiers, pronouns, a wide range of verb tenses and moods (including the subjunctive), voice, prepositions, conjunctions, negation, questions, commands, word order, and discourse markers.

AS grammar, A-level grammar

0 objectives11 tips11 pitfalls2 subtopics

Works

Students must study either one literary text and one film, or two literary texts from the prescribed AQA list. The study requires a critical appreciation of concepts, issues, form, and techniques of presentation (e.g., narrative voice in prose or camera work in film), with responses written in Spanish.

Literary texts and films

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Individual research project

The Individual Research Project (IRP) is a component of the A-level Speaking assessment where students identify a subject or key question of personal interest related to a Spanish-speaking country. Students conduct independent research using at least two sources (one of which must be online) and demonstrate their ability to initiate, conduct, analyse, and summarise findings. This research is then presented and discussed in the speaking exam.

0 objectives6 tips7 pitfalls

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