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AQA GCSE Spanish Past Papers
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Navigator’s note
Misunderstanding Common Question Words
Systematically learn the Spanish interrogatives (¿cuándo?, ¿dónde?, ¿quién?, ¿cuánto?, etc.).
All 4 examiner tipsOther destinations
AQA GCSE Spanish papers by session
June 2024
8 papersLatest seriesFoundation tier· 4
Higher tier· 4
Examiner InsightsAQA GCSE Spanish
Examiner tips.
Practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and write stronger answers.
Misunderstanding Common Question Words
Errors often stem from failing to identify the specific focus of a question (e.g., "When," "Where," "Who," or "How many"). For example, in a question about "When" they were setting off, many students incorrectly answered with a location.
“How many”
How to improve
Systematically learn the Spanish interrogatives (¿cuándo?, ¿dónde?, ¿quién?, ¿cuánto?, etc.).
Before writing or speaking an answer, double-check that your response actually addresses the specific question word used.
Check the command word before you write.
Lack of Detail in "Exactly" Questions
When a question contains the word "exactly," a vague or one-word answer will not score. For instance, answering "August" instead of "The beginning of August" is insufficient if the source material provides the full detail.
“The beginning of August”
How to improve
Listen or read for the qualifiers that provide precision.
If the text says al principio de agosto or los peligros de las drogas, you must include the full phrase ("the beginning of August" or "the dangers of drugs") in your answer.
Check the command word before you write.
Incorrect Tense Usage
In Writing and Speaking, students often struggle to produce the correct tense requested by a bullet point. A common error is using the present tense when a past event is required.
How to improve
Identify the time markers in the prompt (e.g., ayer, el fin de semana pasado, en el futuro).
Practice the first-person singular forms for the preterite and immediate future until they are automatic, as these are the most frequently required forms.
Check the command word before you write.
Omitting Bullet Points
In the Writing paper, missing just one bullet point makes it impossible to score top marks for content.
How to improve
Use the preparation time to tick off each bullet point as you plan your response.
Check the command word before you write.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any changes to AQA GCSE Spanish (8692) for 2027 compared to 2026?
: 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.
When was AQA GCSE Spanish (8692) last overhauled, and what changed from the previous spec (8698)?
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.
Exactly how many vocabulary words do I need to know?
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.
What's the difference between AQA Spanish codes 8692 and 8698?
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.
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