¡Hola parents! Do you have a child sitting their GCSE Spanish soon? Maybe you’re looking into exam options for next year? In this blog post, I will explore the different exam boards for GCSE Spanish and what they have to offer. Choosing the right exam board is an important decision as it can greatly impact your learning experience and ultimately your results. At the end you’ll find a short video with some tips on how to get the best grade possible. ¿Listo? ¡Vamos!
Adults V’s young learners
Adults language-learning goals tend to be quite different to young learners. Adults are usually focused on improving their Spanish for health or cultural reasons, they want more enriching travel experiences, they have Spanish family they’d like to communicate with better or they want to keep their brains active.
Young learners are usually working towards an exam; GCSE is an obvious one. The exam that schooled-children work towards if they choose Spanish as an option. This is usually with the AQA Exam Board and students will sit either a Foundation or Higher Exam Paper.
For Home Educated children they may opt for an iGCSE (an International qualification). Exam boards for this International qualification include Edexel Pearson and Cambridge.
The difference between iGCSE Spanish and GCSE Spanish
When it comes to studying Spanish at high school level, students often encounter two different qualifications: IGCSE and GCSE. While both qualifications focus on the same subject, there are some key differences between them.
IGCSE Spanish is an international qualification that follows the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum. It is recognized globally and provides a broad foundation in the language. On the other hand, GCSE Spanish is part of the General Certificate of Secondary Education system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
One notable difference between IGCSE and GCSE Spanish lies in their exam boards. For IGCSE Spanish, CIE sets the syllabus and conducts examinations worldwide. In contrast, various exam boards like AQA or Edexcel oversee GCSE exams in specific regions within the UK.
Another distinction can be found in terms of content coverage. The IGCSE syllabus tends to have a broader scope compared to its GCSE counterpart. This means that IGCSE students may study additional topics or explore certain areas more deeply than those pursuing GCSE.
Read more about Cambridge IGCSE Spanish exam here Cambridge IGCSE Spanish – Foreign Language (0530) (cambridgeinternational.org)
The different exam boards for GCSE Spanish
When it comes to GCSE Spanish, there are several exam boards to choose from. Each one offers its own unique approach and resources for students.
First up is AQA Spanish. Known for its comprehensive and well-structured assessments, AQA covers a range of topics such as family, school, holidays, and more. Their exams focus on all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This allows students to showcase their proficiency in different areas.
Next is Edexcel Pearson Spanish. With a strong emphasis on cultural understanding and real-world communication skills, Edexcel’s exams delve into themes like the environment, technology advancements, and social issues. They also offer interactive resources that make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Last but not least is WJEC Spanish. This exam board places importance on developing linguistic competence through authentic materials like texts, videos, and audio recordings. WJEC encourages critical thinking by incorporating thought-provoking topics such as global challenges and personal identity into their exams.
The choice of exam board depends on your individual strengths and preferences as a learner. So take some time to explore each one’s syllabus in detail before making your decision!
AQA Spanish
AQA Spanish is one of the exam boards that offer GCSE Spanish. It is a popular choice among students and schools alike. The AQA syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including themes such as identity and culture, local, national, international and global areas of interest, as well as current and future study and employment.
One aspect that sets AQA Spanish apart is the emphasis on both spoken and written communication skills. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to understand and respond to different types of texts in Spanish, whether it be through reading comprehension or listening exercises.
In terms of assessment, there are four exams for AQA Spanish: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Each exam assesses different language skills but all contribute towards the final GCSE grade. Furthermore, AQA offers flexibility in terms of assessment options. Students can choose between foundation or higher tier exams based on their abilities. This allows them to showcase their skills at an appropriate level while still challenging themselves.
The AQA website provides valuable resources for students preparing for their exams. From past papers to mark schemes, these resources can help students familiarize themselves with the format and requirements of each exam.
AQA Spanish offers a comprehensive curriculum that allows students to develop their language proficiency in an engaging way. It equips them with essential communication skills while also providing opportunities for cultural exploration within the Hispanic world.
Read more about the AQA Spanish GCSE exam board here AQA | Languages | GCSE | Spanish
Edexcel Pearson Spanish
Edexcel Pearson Spanish is very popular with Home Educating students. It offers a comprehensive and structured approach to learning the language, ensuring students develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
One of the key benefits of choosing Edexcel Pearson Spanish is that it provides a wide range of resources and support materials for both teachers and students. This includes textbooks, online resources, past papers, and mark schemes. These resources are designed to help students prepare effectively for their exams by familiarizing them with the format and style of questions they can expect.
Additionally, Edexcel Pearson Spanish places a strong emphasis on cultural understanding. Through their curriculum, students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of Hispanic culture including traditions, customs, literature, art, music, and more. This not only enhances their language proficiency but also broadens their knowledge and appreciation of different cultures.
Edexcel Pearson Spanish is a reliable choice for those studying GCSE Spanish as it provides comprehensive resources , emphasizes cultural understanding ,and offers flexible assessment options . By opting for this exam board ,students can enhance their language proficiency while gaining valuable insights into Hispanic culture . So if you’re considering taking GCSE Spanish , be sure to consider Edexcel Pearson as one option !
Read more about Edexcel Pearson Spanish GCSE here Edexcel GCSE Spanish (2016) | Pearson qualifications
WJEC Spanish
The WJEC exam board (Wales) also offers a GCSE Spanish qualification. Known for its rigorous assessment methods and comprehensive syllabus, WJEC ensures that students develop their language skills effectively.
With an emphasis on all four key language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – the WJEC Spanish GCSE aims to equip students with the ability to communicate confidently in real-life situations. The topics covered include family life, social issues, leisure activities, and more.
One unique aspect of the WJEC Spanish exam is the inclusion of a controlled assessment component. This allows students to demonstrate their understanding and proficiency through practical tasks such as presentations or role-plays. This hands-on approach not only enhances their language abilities but also encourages creativity and critical thinking.
In addition to this interactive element, WJEC provides a range of resources and support materials for both teachers and students alike. These help facilitate effective learning and provide valuable practice opportunities outside of the classroom.
Read more about WJEC Spanish GCSE here GCSE Spanish (wjec.co.uk)
DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
Another option is the DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) are official diplomas issued buy the Spanish Instituto de Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. These are a great alternative to the other exams and are especially beneficial for adults wanting to formalize their learning.
Introductory level A1 accredits students ability to use basic language in everyday situations, then moves through A2, B1, B2, C1 to C2 which is considered mastery level where students have sufficient linguistic competence to perfectly handle and kind of situation, with spontaneity and a great deal of semantic and grammatical precision. (This is the level I achieved).
Read more about DELE Spanish qualification here DELE – DELE Exams, deadlines and exam dates | Spanish Diplomas
Choosing which GCSE Spanish exam board to study under ultimately depends on your individual preferences and learning style. Whether it’s AQA’s option for lower and higher papers for Edexcel Pearson’s focus on cultural knowledge or even WJEC’s practical assessments – each board offers unique advantages catered to different learners.
So go ahead! Explore these different exam boards’ specifications thoroughly before making your decision. Remember that regardless of which one you choose, studying GCSE Spanish will open up exciting opportunities for linguistic growth, cultural appreciation, career prospects abroad,
and personal development.
Looking for GCSE Spanish support for your child? Contact Adventures in Spanish today to see how we can help or visit our website to see the full range of group Spanish lessons we run for the Home Education community here.