WJEC GCSE Spanish specification (3810)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t

In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC 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 WJEC GCSE Spanish (3810) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Spanish encourages learners to develop the ability to communicate confidently and coherently in speech and writing with native speakers. It supports spontaneity, fluency, and the application of grammar across a range of real-life contexts. The course broadens cultural knowledge and understanding, fostering skills like communication, creativity, and problem-solving. It provides a strong foundation for further study, encouraging students to express ideas independently while deepening their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and communities:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Identity and culture
- Youth Culture: self and relationships; technology and social media
- Lifestyle: health and fitness; entertainment and leisure
- Customs and Traditions: food and drink; festivals and celebrations
Wales and the World – areas of interest
- Home and Locality: local areas of interest; travel and transport
- The Wider World: features and characteristics of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries; holidays and tourism
- Global Sustainability: environment; social issues
Current and future study and employment
- Current Study: school/college life and studies
- Enterprise, Employability and Future Plans: skills and personal qualities; post-16 study; career plans; employment
Skills across all areas
- Listening: understand spoken Spanish in a variety of contexts
- Speaking: interact effectively using spontaneous and extended speech
- Reading: understand diverse texts, including authentic materials and translation into English/Welsh
- Writing: express ideas in varied written formats and translate into Spanish
Grammar Scope
- Foundation Tier: common structures and tenses (present, preterite, imperfect, future, perfect); reflexives; negatives; comparatives; simple modal and imperative forms
- Higher Tier: additional tenses (pluperfect, conditional), gerunds, subjunctive (receptive); passive voice (receptive use); wider use of pronouns and complex sentence structures:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Speaking
- Non-exam assessment: 7–9 mins (Foundation), 10–12 mins (Higher) + 12 mins prep
- Role play, photo card, and conversation (2 themes)
- 60 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Covers all three broad themes
Unit 2: Listening
- Exam: 35 mins (Foundation), 45 mins (Higher)
- 45 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Includes monologues, conversations, interviews
Unit 3: Reading
- Exam: 1 hr (Foundation), 1 hr 15 mins (Higher)
- 60 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Includes translation Spanish → English/Welsh
Unit 4: Writing
- Exam: 1 hr 15 mins (Foundation), 1 hr 30 mins (Higher)
- 60 marks, 25% of GCSE
- Includes writing tasks and translation English/Welsh → Spanish
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 Listening – 25%
- AO2 Speaking – 25%
- AO3 Reading – 25%
- AO4 Writing – 25%:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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.
Share this article