What is the difference between Edexcel and AQA GCSE Spanish?

Both boards cover similar themes and skills, but Edexcel’s specification feels more modular with its five distinct themes, and the speaking exam is recorded and marked by the school, whereas AQA uses a visiting examiner. Edexcel often provides more granular mark schemes and a wider range of digital resources. The choice may come down to personal preference or school preference; both are equally respected qualifications.

How is the speaking exam conducted for Edexcel GCSE Spanish?

The speaking exam is split into three parts: a role-play based on a stimulus card, a picture-based discussion, and a general conversation on two themes. You have 12 minutes’ preparation time immediately before the exam to study the role-play and picture. The assessment is conducted by your own teacher, recorded, and then moderated by Edexcel. This format often reduces nerves because you are speaking to a familiar person.

Are there any controlled assessments or coursework for Edexcel GCSE Spanish?

No, there is no coursework or controlled assessment. The entire qualification is assessed by terminal examinations at the end of the course. The speaking exam is worth 25% and is conducted in school, but it is not a coursework component — it is an externally set, teacher-conducted and recorded test that is moderated by Edexcel.

What topics will I study in Edexcel GCSE Spanish?

You will study five broad themes: Identity and culture (e.g., family, free time, festivals); Local area, holiday and travel (e.g., town, travel, tourism); School (e.g., subjects, rules, school life); Future aspirations, study and work (e.g., careers, languages, applications); and International and global dimension (e.g., environment, poverty, social issues). Each theme includes specific sub-topics and vocabulary lists to help you build language skills in context.

How many exams are there in Edexcel GCSE Spanish and how are they weighted?

There are four exams, each worth 25% of the final grade: Listening (35 minutes, 50 marks), Speaking (10–12 minutes, 70 marks), Reading (45 minutes, 50 marks), and Writing (1 hour 10 minutes, 60 marks). All exams are taken at the end of the course in the summer of Year 11. The speaking exam is usually scheduled a few weeks before the other papers.

Spanish

Edexcel

GCSE

Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Spanish

The EDEXCEL GCSE Spanish specification covers 26 topics with 0 learning objectives (Pearson-GCSE-Spanish). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

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

Topics

Objectives

111

Exam Tips

115

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

About Edexcel GCSE Spanish

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE Spanish course (1SP0) is designed to develop students’ ability to communicate confidently and effectively in Spanish across a range of real-life contexts. The qualification focuses on practical language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while also building cultural awareness of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will engage with authentic materials and learn to express opinions, justify viewpoints, and interact in spontaneous situations, preparing them for further study or employment.

The specification is structured around five broad themes: Identity and culture; Local area, holiday and travel; School; Future aspirations, study and work; and International and global dimension. These themes are broken into topics such as family and friends, technology in everyday life, customs and festivals, travel and tourism, healthy living, and environmental issues. The course encourages students to see language as a tool for practical communication and cross-cultural understanding.

Throughout the course, students are assessed on their ability to understand and respond to spoken and written Spanish from different sources, as well as to produce clear and coherent spoken and written language. Grammar is integrated into the topics, with a focus on applying rules in context rather than learning them in isolation. The qualification is linear, with all exams taken at the end of the course, and includes a speaking assessment conducted by the teacher.

Assessment Structure

GCSE Spanish Edexcel is assessed through four externally examined papers, each worth 25% of the total grade. Paper 1: Listening (35 minutes, 50 marks) tests understanding of spoken extracts. Paper 2: Speaking (10–12 minutes plus preparation time, 70 marks) is recorded and marked by the teacher but moderated by Edexcel; it includes a role-play, picture-based discussion, and general conversation. Paper 3: Reading (45 minutes, 50 marks) assesses comprehension of written texts, including a translation from Spanish into English. Paper 4: Writing (1 hour 10 minutes, 60 marks) requires students to produce extended responses, including a translation from English into Spanish. There is no coursework; all assessment is by terminal examination.

Why Choose Edexcel?

Edexcel's specification is known for its logical structure and transparency, with a clear breakdown of themes, topics, and grammar points, making it easier for students to track their progress and for teachers to plan effective lessons.
The speaking exam format (teacher-conducted and recorded) can be less intimidating than exams with an external examiner, allowing students to perform more naturally. Edexcel also provides a wealth of past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, which are invaluable for revision.
The themes and topics are highly relevant to young people, covering contemporary issues like digital technology and global citizenship. This helps to keep learners engaged and motivated, while also developing transferable skills for further education or the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%

Listening: Understand and respond to different types of spoken language.

AO2

25%

Speaking: Communicate and interact in speech.

AO3

25%

Reading: Understand and respond to different types of written language.

AO4

25%

Writing: Communicate in writing.

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

Edexcel

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

•Confusing similar sounding numbers (e.g., dieciséis vs diecisiete)
•Incorrect gender agreement when using colours as adjectives
•Misusing time expressions (e.g., confusing 'mañana' as morning vs tomorrow)
•Incorrect capitalization of days and months in Spanish (they are not capitalized unless at the start of a sentence)
•Incorrect stem changes in irregular verbs
•Confusing the use of ser and estar
•Misapplying reflexive pronouns in two-verb constructions
•Incorrect formation of the preterite for irregular verbs

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Practice the sound-symbol correspondences for numbers to ensure accurate transcription in dictation tasks
•Use the 15-minute preparation time to annotate the read-aloud text with stress patterns
•Ensure you know the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' when describing colours or times
•Memorize the irregular forms of numbers (e.g., cien vs ciento)
•Memorize the irregular inflected verb forms tables provided in the specification
•Practice the placement of reflexive pronouns in both one-verb and two-verb constructions
•Ensure familiarity with the specific irregular verbs required for the imperative (Foundation and Higher)
•Focus on the distinction between the preterite and imperfect tenses for narrative tasks

Specification Topics

26 topics

Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary (greetings, numbers, days, months, seasons, times, colours)

Basic vocabulary covering essential daily communication including greetings, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, seasons, times of the day, and colours.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Verbs

This topic covers the comprehensive list of verbs required for the GCSE Spanish qualification, including regular and irregular inflected forms across Foundation and Higher tiers. It includes the study of verb conjugations, tenses, and specific irregular patterns necessary for accurate communication in speech and writing.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Irregular inflected verb forms (Foundation and Higher)

This topic covers the identification and correct usage of irregular inflected verb forms in Spanish, specifically focusing on verbs that deviate from standard conjugation patterns in various tenses and moods, as required for both Foundation and Higher tiers.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Irregular inflected verb forms (Higher only)

This topic covers the specific irregular inflected verb forms required for the Higher tier of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Spanish qualification, as detailed in the specification's vocabulary and grammar appendices.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Cultural and geographical words

This topic covers specific vocabulary related to cultural and geographical entities, including continents, countries, regions, and cultural festivals, as defined in the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Spanish specification.

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Short phrases

The 'Short phrases' vocabulary section provides a list of functional, high-frequency expressions designed to support communication across various thematic contexts in both Foundation and Higher tier assessments.

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Articles and pronouns

This topic covers the essential articles and pronouns required for communication in Spanish, including subject, object, and reflexive pronouns, as well as definite and indefinite articles, and their agreement in gender and number.

0 objectives4 tips5 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Conjunctions

The topic covers the use of conjunctions in Spanish, including both basic coordinating and subordinating conjunctions required for Foundation and Higher tiers, as well as more complex conjunctions for Higher tier only.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Prepositions

The topic covers the use and understanding of prepositions in Spanish, including their function in indicating relationships between words, locations, and time, as well as their role in specific verb phrases.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Adverbs

The topic covers the identification, usage, and grammatical function of adverbs and adverbial phrases within the Spanish language, as specified in the vocabulary and grammar appendices.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Adjectives

This topic covers the use and agreement of adjectives in Spanish, including their placement, gender and number agreement, and comparative/superlative structures.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Vocabulary: Nouns

This topic covers the vocabulary requirements for nouns in the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Spanish specification. It includes a comprehensive list of nouns categorized by thematic relevance and grammatical function, with specific distinctions between Foundation and Higher tier requirements. The specification emphasizes that nouns should be understood and used in context, and that gender and number agreement rules apply.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

This topic covers the fundamental grammatical building blocks of Spanish, specifically focusing on the formation and usage of nouns, pronouns, and determiners. It includes rules for gender and number agreement, the use of articles, and the function of various pronoun types (subject, object, reflexive, relative, and interrogative) across Foundation and Higher tiers.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Grammar: Verbs (negation, interrogatives, passive voice, impersonal verbs, reflexive verbs, periphrastic expressions, modal verbs, interesar-type verbs)

This topic covers the grammatical requirements for verbs in the Edexcel GCSE Spanish specification, specifically focusing on negation, interrogatives, passive voice, impersonal verbs, reflexive verbs, periphrastic expressions, modal verbs, and interesar-type verbs.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Grammar: Verbs — Tenses (present, present continuous, perfect, preterite, imperfect, imperfect continuous, periphrastic future, inflectional future, conditional, imperative, present subjunctive)

This topic covers the comprehensive range of verb tenses and moods required for the GCSE Spanish specification, including present, present continuous, perfect, preterite, imperfect, imperfect continuous, periphrastic future, inflectional future, conditional, imperative, and present subjunctive.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Grammar: Adjectives and adjectival phrases

This topic covers the grammatical requirements for adjectives and adjectival phrases in Spanish, including rules for gender and number agreement, positioning, and comparative/superlative structures.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Grammar: Adverbs and adverbial phrases

This topic covers the grammatical requirements for adverbs and adverbial phrases in Spanish, including their formation, position, and usage in both Foundation and Higher tiers.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Grammar: Prepositions

The grammar topic of prepositions covers the use of words to indicate relationships of place, time, and other connections between nouns, pronouns, or phrases. It includes common prepositions and their specific usage in Spanish, including contractions and prepositional phrases.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Grammar: Derivational morphology

The study of derivational morphology involves understanding how new words are formed by adding affixes (suffixes) to base words. This topic is primarily assessed in the Reading paper, where students must infer the meaning of derived forms based on their knowledge of base words and specific suffix rules.

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Grammar: Sound-symbol correspondences (SSCs) and stress patterns

This topic covers the principles by which spelling represents sounds in Spanish (Sound-symbol correspondences or SSCs) and the rules governing word stress patterns, which are essential for accurate pronunciation in speaking and correct transcription in dictation tasks.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Thematic Context: Lifestyle and wellbeing

The 'My neighbourhood' thematic context focuses on vocabulary and grammar related to local environments, including places in town, shopping, transport, and the natural world. It enables students to describe their surroundings, discuss local facilities, and express opinions about their living area.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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Spanish Edexcel GCSE Topics & Revision

Topics Covered

Exam Tips for Edexcel GCSE Spanish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Spanish

Ready to practise?

Key Features

About Edexcel GCSE Spanish

Assessment Structure

Why Choose Edexcel?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Edexcel and AQA GCSE Spanish?

How is the speaking exam conducted for Edexcel GCSE Spanish?

Are there any controlled assessments or coursework for Edexcel GCSE Spanish?

What topics will I study in Edexcel GCSE Spanish?

How many exams are there in Edexcel GCSE Spanish and how are they weighted?

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary (greetings, numbers, days, months, seasons, times, colours)

Vocabulary: Verbs

Vocabulary: Irregular inflected verb forms (Foundation and Higher)

Vocabulary: Irregular inflected verb forms (Higher only)

Vocabulary: Cultural and geographical words

Vocabulary: Short phrases

Vocabulary: Articles and pronouns

Vocabulary: Conjunctions

Vocabulary: Prepositions

Vocabulary: Adverbs

Vocabulary: Adjectives

Vocabulary: Nouns

Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

Grammar: Verbs (negation, interrogatives, passive voice, impersonal verbs, reflexive verbs, periphrastic expressions, modal verbs, interesar-type verbs)

Grammar: Verbs — Tenses (present, present continuous, perfect, preterite, imperfect, imperfect continuous, periphrastic future, inflectional future, conditional, imperative, present subjunctive)

Grammar: Adjectives and adjectival phrases

Grammar: Adverbs and adverbial phrases

Grammar: Prepositions

Grammar: Derivational morphology

Grammar: Sound-symbol correspondences (SSCs) and stress patterns

Thematic Context: Lifestyle and wellbeing

Thematic Context: Media and technology

Thematic Context: Studying and my future

Thematic Context: Travel and tourism

Thematic Context: My personal world

Thematic Context: My neighbourhood

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