Spanish Leaving Cert

The Spanish syllabus aims to help students develop an appreciation for the Spanish language. The language skills learned during the Junior Cycle will be built on and developed at Senior Cycle.The aim of the syllabus is to improve basic communication proficiency and to make students aware of language and culture.

Spanish Exam

The Spanish exam is given at two levels at Leaving Cert - ordinary and higher. The exam for both levels takes the same format. Students have to complete an oral exam prior to the written paper, this is generally held in the two weeks after the Easter mid-term. Students should practice speaking Spanish as often as possible prior to the exam. The oral exam takes between 10-15 minutes  and the examiner examines students on their pronounciation ,vocabulary,structure  and communication skills.

The oral exam is worth 20% for ordinary level and 25 % for higher level.

The aural exam takes place the day of the exam and generally lasts for about 40 minutes, this tests students listening and comprehension skills. Students listen to different passages,dialogues etc.

The aural exam is worth 25% for ordinary level and 20 % for higher level.

The written paper tests students written, reading and comprehension abilities.

Did you know!

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world with it being the main  language of Spain and most of South and Central America .Its popularity amongst students has grown significantly over the last decade.
In 2011 a total of 2059 students took Spanish at Leaving Cert . 1384 girls took Spanish at Leaving Certificate at

higher level while 675 boys did Spanish at Higher Level in 2010.
• 17.1% of students got an A
• 33.8% of students got  a B
• 32.3% of students got a C
• 15.2% of students got a D
• 1.7% of students failed