Whether languages are your forte or you simply want to boost your CV, you may be considering taking Spanish at GCSE. Not every school offers Spanish as a GCSE, but if you have the opportunity it is definitely something to consider. Language skills can be immensely helpful both in your day-to-day life, as well as helping with your development. Numerous studies have shown that additional languages can boost your brain's development, and what better than Spanish, a very useful language?

To make your decision a little easier, here we run through of some of the many advantages of choosing to study Spanish. We've also provided a full guide on how to choose Spanish certifications that will still be valued, even if they aren't GCSEs.

The best Spanish tutors available
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5
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Silvia
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1st lesson free!
Pablo
5
5 (41 reviews)
Pablo
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Inés
5
5 (44 reviews)
Inés
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sandy
5
5 (18 reviews)
Sandy
£15
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Katherine
5
5 (20 reviews)
Katherine
£85
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lucia
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lucia
£40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Laura
5
5 (33 reviews)
Laura
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Cilia
4.9
4.9 (25 reviews)
Cilia
£15
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Silvia
5
5 (30 reviews)
Silvia
£25
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
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Spanish is Widely Spoken Around the World

Spanish is the official language of 21 countries, many of which are economically well developed. People from these countries are likely to be business associates or colleagues in your future career. Also, Spanish is the second most common first language across the world and the second language of the USA. As we live in an Americanised world, having a solid grasp of the Spanish language will be likely to come in useful in the future.

Countries where Spanish is commonly spoken include:

  • Mexico (113 million native speakers)
  • Colombia (47 million native speakers)
  • Spain (40 million native speakers)
  • Argentina (40 million native speakers)
  • Venezuela (30 million native speakers)
  • Peru (26 million native speakers)
  • Chile (18 million native speakers)
  • Ecuador (14 million native speakers)
  • Cuba (11 million native speakers)
  • Guatemala (10 million native speakers)

Be aware, though, there are some geographical differences between the language and its use...

Spanish is More Phonetic than Some Languages

It isn't totally phonetic, but no language is. For example, in Spanish, the "ll" sound may be pronounced as "y" such as if you are saying Paella, which is technically pronounced "pai eh luh".

Spanish is more phonetic than, say, French or German, which may take the pressure off, especially if you’re taking on a lot of subjects. A GCSE in a language is a great qualification to add to your CV but if you find it easier to learn in a phonetic way, Spanish is a clear choice.

Take the first step towards bilingualism by connecting with a reputable Spanish tutor today.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Hola
Hola! A Spanish greeting - Image Source: Unsplash.com

French is more widely learned in the UK than Spanish. In fact, there are almost double the GCSE entries for French than there are for Spanish in the UK so choosing Spanish for GCSE will help your CV stand out from the majority. Currently, more students choose French at GCSE, but fewer chose Spanish. So if you’re reluctant to take Spanish because it’s not a very popular subject then don’t be fazed. This should actually work to your advantage.

Additionally, if you achieve a language GCSE alongside two sciences, one humanities, English and Maths, you’ll be bagging yourself an English Baccalaureate certificate, which demonstrates that you’re a well-rounded student.

Helping to Learn Other Languages

To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.

Chinese Proverb

If you would love to master the French language but are struggling with its challenges, Spanish GCSE is a helpful gateway in to eventually learning French as they are somewhat lexically similar. This means you can develop your language skills without the pressure of working towards a GCSE qualification in a language you find difficult. Spanish vocabulary and grammar also shares similarities to Portuguese and Italian, making it quite the investment when it comes to learning languages.

The UK’s international education body highlights Spanish as the most important foreign language to learn. What’s more, last year they calculated that only four percent of the UK population could speak Spanish fluently. This means that a commitment to learning Spanish would set you in really good stead when it comes to employment.

The best Spanish tutors available
Pablo
5
5 (41 reviews)
Pablo
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Inés
5
5 (44 reviews)
Inés
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sandy
5
5 (18 reviews)
Sandy
£15
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Katherine
5
5 (20 reviews)
Katherine
£85
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lucia
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lucia
£40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Laura
5
5 (33 reviews)
Laura
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Cilia
4.9
4.9 (25 reviews)
Cilia
£15
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Silvia
5
5 (30 reviews)
Silvia
£25
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Pablo
5
5 (41 reviews)
Pablo
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Inés
5
5 (44 reviews)
Inés
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sandy
5
5 (18 reviews)
Sandy
£15
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Katherine
5
5 (20 reviews)
Katherine
£85
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lucia
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lucia
£40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Laura
5
5 (33 reviews)
Laura
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Cilia
4.9
4.9 (25 reviews)
Cilia
£15
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Silvia
5
5 (30 reviews)
Silvia
£25
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

Preparing For Travel

Spain landmarks
Spanish landmarks are some of the most impressive there are. Image source: Unsplash.com

You may already be thinking about a gap year or opportunities to travel in the future. Spanish is so widely-spoken that it can open up many different opportunities for you to explore and be able to talk with the locals.

Knowing Spanish will seriously enhance your travelling experiences. If you are passionate about travelling, then obtaining a solid grasp of Spanish will allow you to fully experience the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Cuba. Hispanic culture is fascinating and somewhat underrepresented, so learning about the culture, along with the language, will definitely be a rewarding, revealing and exciting experience. Make sure you have considered  testing for Spanish speaking levels if you're going to use the language.

A Second Language Can Help Your Cognitive Development

Languages - Image Source: Unsplash.com

Improved cognitive skills can help with your cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. It challenges the brain and can help prevent cognitive decline in later years. Being bilingual or multilingual improves your ability to communicate effectively, not just in the new language but also in your native language. You become a better listener and speaker.

This is true of any language, so Spanish is not the only option that you have if your main aim is to improve your cognition and intelligence. You can see the benefits of being bilingual in this TedEd video:

So, if you have already got a knack for the Spanish language and your school offers it as a GCSE then you’re in luck. As you can see, whether you’re planning on pursuing Spanish all the way to degree level or you just want to broaden your horizons and gain linguistic skills, GCSE Spanish is a great opportunity for many different students.

If you want to learn outside of a traditional setting like a GCSE, check out the Spanish language test at University of Central FLA here on superprof.

Future Education Opportunities

Spanish can open a lot of doors in the world of education. Of course, you can study Spanish, but having proficiency in Spanish can enhance your university application and provide several advantages depending on the university and your chosen field of study, some other subjects can give you the chance to use your Spanish skills. When learning Spanish, you may be interested passing an exam for a future career opportunity.

Universities often value diversity and a global perspective. Being proficient in Spanish demonstrates your cultural awareness and your ability to engage with a diverse range of cultures, which can be attractive to admissions committees.

You'll also open up the opportunities to study abroad. Many universities offer study abroad programs. Proficiency in Spanish can make you an ideal candidate for programs in Spanish-speaking countries, which can be a transformative academic and cultural experience. If you become fluent at some point, you may even be able to study in a Spanish-speaking country.

Best Ways to Learn Spanish (Other than GCSEs)

If you're considering learning Spanish just because you want to be able to speak the language rather than using it in a formal educational or career role, you can take another route.

A foreign language diploma in Spanish can be another way to learn besides GCSES. Of course, you can supplement your GCSE studies with other learning methods, too, which will definitely help you to get better results.

Other methods of learning Spanish include:

  • Online Language Learning Platforms. Use language learning platforms like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, or Memrise. These offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and vocabulary-building exercises.
  • Mobile Apps. Download language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, Drops, or Tandem to practice Spanish on the go. Many of these apps offer gamified and interactive learning experiences to keep people engaged.
  • Tutors. It is possible to find Spanish lessons in London as well as in other locations around the UK. Personalised lessons allow you to gain feedback as well as study in your own time.

What Does a GCSE in Spanish Involve?

If you do decide you're going to pursue a Spanish GCSE then you'll want to know what's involved.

A Spanish GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) course typically covers a wide range of topics and language skills to develop a strong foundation in the Spanish language. While the specific curriculum may vary between schools and exam boards, here are the four main areas of study that you can expect to encounter in a Spanish GCSE course:

  1. Speaking: You'll learn to express yourself in Spanish, engage in conversations, and provide information about various topics. This includes learning to talk about personal experiences, likes and dislikes, and future plans.
  2. Listening: You'll develop listening skills by understanding spoken Spanish in various contexts, such as dialogues, news reports, interviews, and speeches.
  3. Reading: You'll read and comprehend different types of written materials in Spanish, including articles, texts, and literature. Taking the siele test can be a way to test your reading proficiency in Spanish.
  4. Writing: You'll practice writing in Spanish, creating different types of texts like emails, letters, essays, and reports. You'll learn to express opinions and ideas effective

Conclusion

For some students, the decision to study Spanish will be obvious. For example, if you have the desire to study in Spain in the future, or you want to become a languages teacher yourself. For others, the benefits aren't so clear and obvious. However, it is worth considering the ways that Spanish might be able to benefit your life and your capacity to learn in other areas. Spanish is certainly a useful language!

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Jon

As an Englishman in Paris, I enjoy growing my knowledge of other languages and cultures. I'm interested in History, Economics, and Sociology and believe in the importance of continuous learning.