A2 Units — Unit 3: Speaking / Independent Research Project (Non-exam assessment)

Unit 3 of the WJEC A-Level Spanish specification is a non-exam assessment (NEA) that tests your speaking skills and independent research project. This unit is worth 12% of the total A-Level qualification and is conducted as a 15-minute oral examination with your teacher, externally moderated. The assessment is divided into two parts: a discussion of a stimulus card (5 minutes) and a presentation and discussion of your independent research project (10 minutes). The stimulus card covers one of the four A2 themes: social issues and trends, political and artistic culture, or aspects of Hispanic society. The independent research project allows you to explore a topic of personal interest related to the Spanish-speaking world, such as a historical event, a literary work, a film, or a cultural phenomenon.

This unit is crucial because it assesses your ability to communicate spontaneously, justify opinions, and engage in extended discourse in Spanish. It also develops your research skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. The independent research project is particularly valuable as it enables you to demonstrate depth of knowledge and personal engagement with a topic that genuinely interests you. Success in this unit requires not only linguistic proficiency but also the ability to structure arguments, use evidence effectively, and respond to follow-up questions with confidence.

The NEA format means that preparation is key. You will have 15 minutes to prepare the stimulus card before the discussion, during which you can make notes. For the research project, you will submit a title and a summary of your research in advance. The examiner will then ask you to present your findings for up to 2 minutes, followed by a discussion. This unit fits into the wider A-Level by consolidating the themes and grammar studied across all units, while also giving you the opportunity to showcase your independent learning and passion for the subject.