Here’s what to do in preparation for A-Level Spanish.
Spanish is a very exciting subject at A-Level and but it can be challenging. With the right preparation though, you can have a successful start to Year 12 and impress your Spanish teacher! This post will guide you through the key areas to focus on over summer to get a head start in September.
Pictured: Plaza de España - the same building on the front of the AQA AS Textbook. Fun fact - I actually went here in December of 2024 and I didn’t realise it was the same place as the front cover of the textbook that I had used for the past 2 years!
The big leap
Realistically speaking, A-Level Spanish is a significant step up from GCSE. Although the grammar isn’t vastly different, the vocabulary is, because the topics become more complex, shifting from personal interests to social, political and cultural issues in the Hispanic world. You will also need to write two English-literature-like essays on a book and film, all in Spanish (how fun!), a skill that you didn’t need at GCSE.
The checklist
Though the following is entirely optional and I hope you’re enjoying your GCSE summer, instead of worrying about A-Levels, here’s a breakdown of steps you could take before your course even begins:
Purchase textbooks: Get ahead by acquiring the required resources. Many students find textbooks and guides invaluable for structured learning and revision.
*Links
AQA AS Textbook: https://amzn.to/4obQ4Tv
AQA A-Level Textbook: https://amzn.to/3UDaB5I
Edexcel Textbook: https://amzn.to/3U4fYe2
LCDBA book: https://amzn.to/3Haxryz
Spanish Grammar Workbook: https://amzn.to/3IJh1NVFamiliarise yourself with the exam structure: Knowing the format of your exams, including the number of papers, their weighting and the types of questions is always useful, because at the end of the day (al fin y al cabo) the exams are what matters! More on this later on.
Compile a list of your favourite Spanish resources: Find Spanish resources you genuinely enjoy, whether it's a TV series on Netflix, a podcast about current events, or Spanish-language YouTubers. The goal is to consume one piece of Spanish content a day. This consistent exposure will improve your listening and reading skills over time!
Deepen your cultural knowledge: Research the history and geography of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Topics like the Spanish Civil War, Franco's dictatorship, and key social movements (eg. 15M) are a big part of the curriculum. You can also follow Spanish celebrities on social media to keep up to date with contemporary culture!
Revise GCSE grammar: Don't let your grammar skills get rusty. Take some time to revise the grammar you learned at GCSE, focusing particularly on areas like verb conjugations, accents and irregular verbs.
Look at the subjunctive: Unfortunately, A-Level Spanish requires understanding of the subjunctive, exam boards love to use it in paper 1 (the reading and listening paper) especially and you need to be able to use it in the work you produce for the other 2 papers.
Exams: AQA vs Edexcel
The structure of your exams will depend on which exam board your school follows. Here is a general comparison of the A-Level Spanish qualifications from AQA and Edexcel.
Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing translation (50% of A-Level)
This is a 2 hour 30 minute long written exam. It includes listening comprehension, reading comprehension and translation tasks (both from Spanish to English and English to Spanish).
Paper 2: Writing (20% of A-Level)
This is a 2 hour long written exam where you write two essays. You will answer one question on a literary text and one on a film that you have studied in class.
Paper 3: Speaking (30% of A-Level)
This is a 20-ish minute long oral exam. It is divided into two parts: a discussion based on a photocard and a discussion of your own research project (called the IRP!)
Edexcel A-Level Spanish
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation (40% of A-Level)
This is a 2 hour long written exam with listening and reading comprehension questions and it includes a single translation from Spanish into English.
Paper 2: Written Response to Works and Translation (30% of A-Level)
This is a 2-hour and 40-minute written exam. You will write one essay on a book and another on a film, and also complete a translation from English into Spanish. In AQA both translation are in paper 1, unlike for Edexcel.
Paper 3: Speaking (30% of A-Level)
A discussion on a theme from the specification and a presentation and discussion of an independent research project.
If you complete the things on my checklist, you’ll have a much greater advantage than your peers in September! I hope you all have a smooth transition into your A-levels. ¡Mucha suerte!
PS: Can we start a petition to rename AQA’s paper 1 to “listening, reading and translation” instead of “and writing”!
*These are affiliate links which means I receive a tiny commission if an item is bought through that link at no extra cost to you.
