Edexcel GCSE Spanish specification (1SP0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE 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 GCSE 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 GCSE Spanish (1SP0) 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
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) in Spanish equips students to communicate confidently in real-world settings through speaking, listening, reading and writing. The qualification encourages cultural awareness and fluency, enabling learners to interact with native speakers using a range of vocabulary, structures, and authentic materials. With a focus on clarity, spontaneity and creative use of language, students develop a secure grasp of grammar while engaging with themes relevant to both everyday life and global contexts. The course supports smooth progression from Key Stage 3 to A Level or employment and places emphasis on fluency, accuracy, and the use of language in practical scenarios:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Theme: Identity and culture
- Who am I?: relationships, childhood, family and friends, role models, socialising
- Daily life: customs, food and drink, shopping, technology and social media (uses, pros/cons)
- Cultural life: celebrations, festivals, reading, music, sport, film and TV
Theme: Local area, holiday and travel
- Holidays: preferences, destinations, experiences
- Travel and tourist transactions: accommodation, transport, directions, eating out, shopping
- Town, region and country: weather, attractions, activities
Theme: School
- What school is like: types, day structure, subjects, rules, pressures, success
- School activities: trips, events, exchanges
Theme: Future aspirations, study and work
- Using languages beyond the classroom: relationships, travel, employment
- Ambitions: further study, training, volunteering
- Work: jobs, careers, professions
Theme: International and global dimension
- Bringing the world together: sporting/music events, campaigns, good causes
- Environmental issues: sustainability, access to resources
Grammar
- Foundation and Higher: tenses (present, preterite, imperfect, future, conditional), agreement, negatives, comparatives/superlatives
- Higher only (receptive use): pluperfect, imperfect subjunctive, passive voice:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE 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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