Edexcel A Level Spanish specification (9SP0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level Spanish (9SP0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Spanish course (WJEC Eduqas) aims to develop confident, independent linguists with a deep understanding of Hispanic language, culture, and contemporary society. It fosters the ability to communicate effectively, understand diverse perspectives, and analyse cultural materials critically. The specification enables learners to explore a range of social, political, and artistic topics while strengthening linguistic fluency. Through personal research, literature, and film study, students engage with authentic sources and enhance their intercultural awareness and analytical skills.Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Being a young person in a Spanish-speaking society
- Families and communities: family structure, relationships, role of religion
- Youth trends and personal identity: fashion, music, social networks, subcultures
- Education and employment opportunities: study, apprenticeships, unemployment, NEETs
Theme 2: Understanding the Spanish-speaking world
- Regional culture and heritage: festivals, gastronomy, traditions
- Media, art, film, music and entertainment in the Spanish-speaking world
- Migrant communities and cultural identity in the Hispanic world
Theme 3: Diversity and difference
- Migration and integration: opportunities, challenges, legislation
- Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference: discrimination, representation, equality
- Discrimination and diversity: racism, sexism, tolerance, identity
Theme 4: Spain – 1936 onwards
- The Spanish Civil War: historical background, causes, impact
- Franco’s dictatorship: repression, censorship, daily life, opposition
- Transition to democracy: modernisation, political and cultural transformation
Critical and analytical response
- One literary work and one film from prescribed list
- Themes, characters, techniques, cultural and historical context
Independent Research Project (IRP)
- Topic of student's choice related to the Hispanic world
- Presented and discussed in the oral exam
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Speaking
- Non-exam assessment
- 30% of A-level
- Part 1: IRP presentation and discussion
- Part 2: Discussion of one theme (stimulus-based)
Unit 2: Listening, Reading and Translation
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 50% of A-level
- Listening and reading comprehension based on all themes
- Translation into English and Spanish
Unit 3: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 20% of A-level
- Two essays: one on a literary work and one on a film
- No access to texts or films during the exam
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Understand/respond to spoken language
- AO2: Understand/respond to written language
- AO3: Manipulate the language accurately
- AO4: Show knowledge and understanding of Hispanic culture through critical response
Grading and Delivery
- Graded A*–E
- All units assessed at the end of the course (linear)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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