AQA A Level Spanish specification (7692)

Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Spanish exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.

We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.

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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Spanish specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.

Disclaimer

This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Spanish (7692) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.

For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.

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Specification overview

This A-level specification in Spanish develops linguistic competence while deepening understanding of Hispanic society and culture. Students study aspects of social change, regional identity, and political developments across the Hispanic world. Themes include technological and societal shifts, multiculturalism, and artistic heritage. Learners engage with authentic sources, literature, and film, fostering critical thinking, research, and creative expression. The programme encourages independent research on topics of personal interest, with int

Subject content breakdown

3.1 Social issues and trends

  • Aspects of Hispanic society
    • Modern and traditional values: family changes, marriage/divorce, role of the Catholic Church
    • Cyberspace: internet influence, social media, smartphones
    • Equal rights: women in the workforce, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights
  • Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
    • Immigration: benefits/drawbacks, undocumented migrants
    • Racism: attitudes, legislation, anti-racism efforts
    • Integration: cultural coexistence, education, religions

3.2 Political and artistic culture

  • Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
    • Modern-day idols: singers, celebrities, models
    • Spanish regional identity: traditions, cuisine, languages
    • Cultural heritage: historical sites, art/architecture, music diversity
  • Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world
    • Youth and politics: activism, unemployment, ideal society
    • Monarchies and dictatorships: Franco, monarchy’s evolution, Latin American dictators
    • Popular movements: protests, unions, case studies (e.g. 15-M, Las Madres)

3.3 Grammar

  • Covers full range of grammatical structures from GCSE through advanced A-level level
  • Includes all tenses, moods (e.g. subjunctive), syntax, and idiomatic structures

3.4 Works

  • Literary texts (e.g. La casa de Bernarda Alba, Crónica de una muerte anunciada, La sombra del viento)
  • Films (e.g. Volver, El laberinto del fauno, Ocho apellidos vascos)

3.5 Individual research project

  • Topic related to the Hispanic world
  • Conducted independently with authentic sources (at least one online)
  • Presented and discussed in the speaking exam

Assessment structure

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing

  • 2 hrs 30 mins, 100 marks, 50% of A-level
  • Listening and reading based on themes, with questions in Spanish
  • Summary tasks and two translations (Spanish to English and vice versa)
  • No dictionary allowed

Paper 2: Writing

  • 2 hrs, 80 marks, 20% of A-level
  • Two essays in Spanish (one on a text and one on a film or two texts)
  • Critical and analytical writing required
  • No access to texts/films or dictionaries

Paper 3: Speaking

  • 21–23 mins including 5 mins prep, 60 marks, 30% of A-level
  • Part 1: discussion of a sub-theme based on a stimulus card
  • Part 2: presentation and discussion of the student’s individual research project
  • Conducted by school or visiting examiner
  • No dictionary or written notes (except research form)

Key tips for success

Doing well in your AQA A Level Spanish isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track

  • Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
  • Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
  • Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
  • Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
  • Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.

With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can download the official specification directly from the AQA website, or right here on this page using the PDF Specification Download button. Alongside the specification, we've made it easy to access all the essential revision resources you'll need, including topic summaries, past papers, and exam-style practice questions, all matched to the current specification.
Treat the specification like a checklist. Use it to track your progress, identify areas that need more work, and ensure you're covering everything that might appear in the exam. Our linked resources for each topic will help you revise more effectively.
Always refer to the Exam Code and First Teaching Year shown at the top of this page. These details confirm which version of the specification you're studying. If your course or materials refer to a different code, double-check with your teacher or exam centre.