Question 1

How do I say 'I have to wear a uniform' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

You say 'Tengo que llevar un uniforme.' The verb 'tener que' means 'to have to', and 'llevar' means 'to wear'. Remember to conjugate 'tener' according to the subject: 'tengo' (I have), 'tienes' (you have), etc. For example: 'En mi instituto, los estudiantes tienen que llevar uniforme.'

Question 2

What is the difference between 'el recreo' and 'el descanso'?

Accepted Answer

'El recreo' specifically refers to break time at school, usually the morning break when students go outside or eat a snack. 'El descanso' is a more general term for any rest or break. In a school context, 'recreo' is the most common word. For example: 'Durante el recreo, como un bocadillo y hablo con mis amigos.'

Question 3

How do I describe my school timetable in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Start with 'Mi horario escolar es...' (My school timetable is...). Then list the days and times: 'Los lunes tengo matemáticas a las ocho y media, luego inglés a las nueve y cuarto...' Use 'a las' for specific times. You can also say 'El primer período es...' (The first period is...). Remember to use the present tense.

Question 4

What are some key phrases to talk about school rules?

Accepted Answer

Use 'hay que' (one must) + infinitive: 'Hay que llegar puntual' (One must arrive on time). Use 'tener que' (to have to): 'Tenemos que hacer los deberes' (We have to do homework). For prohibitions: 'No se permite comer en clase' (Eating in class is not allowed) or 'Está prohibido usar el móvil' (Using mobile phones is forbidden).

Question 5

How can I compare my school to a Spanish school?

Accepted Answer

Use comparative structures: 'Mi instituto es más grande que un instituto español típico' (My school is bigger than a typical Spanish school). 'En España, los estudiantes tienen menos asignaturas que en mi país' (In Spain, students have fewer subjects than in my country). Also use 'mientras que' (while) to contrast: 'En mi país, el horario es de 9 a 3, mientras que en España es de 8 a 2.'

Question 6

What vocabulary do I need to talk about school subjects I like/dislike?

Accepted Answer

Key verbs: gustar (to like), encantar (to love), odiar (to hate), preferir (to prefer). Adjectives: interesante (interesting), aburrido (boring), difícil (difficult), fácil (easy), divertido (fun), útil (useful), pesado (tedious). Example: 'Me encanta la historia porque es muy interesante, pero odio las matemáticas porque son muy difíciles.'

Current Study – School/College Life

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Spanish

Appendix A: Prescribed Vocabulary List (organised by theme/sub-theme)

Appendix B: Grammar Requirements – Foundation Tier

Current and Future Study and Employment

Current Study – School/College Studies

How to Revise Current Study – School/College Life — WJEC GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Current Study – School/College Life

Common Mistakes in Current Study – School/College Life

Key Marking Points