AQA GCSE Spanish Past Papers

: No — both cohorts are assessed under the same new 8692 spec introduced for first teaching September 2024 (first exams Summer 2026). The major structural overhaul took effect for 2026, so anything designed for 2026 exams is identical to 2027.

The last major overhaul took effect September 2024 (first exams Summer 2026), replacing the previous 8698 spec that had been in place since 2016. The current 8692 introduced massive structural shifts: dictation tasks added to Paper 1 (Listening); reading aloud tasks added to Paper 2 (Speaking); vocabulary strictly restricted to defined lists (1,200 Foundation / 1,700 Higher) rather than less-restricted previous vocabulary. Timeline: September 2024 (new teaching began), Summer 2026 (first 8692 exams), Summer 2027 onwards (identical system continues). Past papers and study guides from 2018–2025 (old 8698 spec) look completely different — they lack dictation and reading aloud sections and use different vocabulary scope. Always ensure materials are explicitly tailored for "2026 onwards" or labeled 8692.

The list is strictly capped. You only need to know 1,200 core words if you are taking the Foundation tier. If you are taking the Higher tier, it is the same 1,200 words plus an extra 500 words (1,700 words total). At least 85% of these come directly from a list of the most frequently used words in the Spanish language, meaning less time spent memorizing obscure terms.

8692 (new spec) is correct for anyone sitting exams in 2026, 2027, and beyond; 8698 (legacy spec) is the old syllabus — final standard exams were Summer 2025. Only resit candidates retaking the old format might use 8698; if you're starting fresh, ignore it. To verify your code: (1) Ask your school's exams officer for your Statement of Entry; (2) Check your textbook — should state "For first teaching September 2024" or "Exams from 2026" for 8692; (3) Check assessment tasks — 8692 includes Reading Aloud in speaking and Dictation in listening; 8698 asks you to answer questions in Spanish during reading/listening. If your practice papers include dictation and reading aloud sections, you're on 8692. For standard current students, 8692 is definitive — ensure all revision guides, vocab apps, and practice papers match this code to avoid outdated material.