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https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/arabic-2017.html
There are two routes to studying Arabic
- as a Modern Foreign Language (MFL)/Second Language
- as a First Language
Students who are reasonably fluent might be tempted to do the First Language route to avoid the difficulties of arranging the speaking and listening assessments. However the First Language exams are aimed at native speakers and academically are much more difficult than the second language/MFL.
Anecdotally those doing the First Language route do considerably worse than those taking the second language/MFL route, even if they then go on and excel at A level (Second Language). Unless a real native speaker it is advised to consider the second language/MFL route
Edexcel GCSE Arabic (Modern Foreign Language)
- Exams from: June 2019
- Available in June
- Specification code: 1AA0
- The qualification is offered as higher or foundation tier
Subject Content
The content of Edexcel GCSE Arabic is broken down into 5 themes
- Identity and culture
- Local area, holiday, travel
- School
- Future aspirations, study and work
- International and global dimension.
All themes must be studied in the context of both the students’ home country and that of countries and communities where Arabic is spoken. For listening and reading assessments, the majority of contexts are based on the culture and countries where the assessed language is spoken. Students may also refer to the culture of the assessed language country/countries or communities in the speaking and writing papers. It is, therefore, important that students are exposed to materials relating to Arabic-speaking countries throughout the course.
Assessment
The assessment for GCSE Arabic has 3 written papers and an oral exam. Speaking exams occur in an assessment window, this is usually before the main examination series. You need to find a centre that can offer the speaking exam.
- Paper 1 - Listening and Understanding in Arabic
- Foundation tier: 35 minutes (inc 5 mins reading time) - 50 marks - 25%
- Higher tier: 45 minutes (inc 5 mins reading time) - 50 marks - 25%
- Covers full syllabus
- Students are assessed on their understanding of standard spoken Arabic. Students will respond to multiple-response and short-answer open-response questions based on a recording featuring male and female Arabic speakers.
- Paper 2 - Speaking in Arabic
- Foundation tier: 7-9 minutes (plus 12 mins preparation time) - 70 marks - 25%
- Higher tier: 10-12 minutes (plus 12 mins preparation time) - 70 marks - 25%
- Covers full syllabus
- Students are assessed on their ability to communicate and interact effectively through speaking in Arabic for different purposes and in different settings.
- Paper 3 - Reading and Understanding in Arabic
- Foundation tier: 1hr 15 minutes - 60 marks - 25%
- Higher tier: 1hr 25 minutes - 60 marks - 25%
- Covers full syllabus
- Students are assessed on their understanding of written Arabic across a range of different types of texts, including advertisements, emails, letters, articles and literary texts. Questions are multiple-response and short-answer. Students will complete a translation from Arabic to English.
- Paper 4 - Writing and Understanding in Arabic
- Foundation tier: 50 minutes - 50 marks - 25%
- Higher tier: 1hr 5 minutes - 50 marks - 25%
- Covers full syllabus
- Questions are open responses of varying lengths and types requiring students to express ideas and opinions in Arabic. Students will also complete a translation into Arabic.
Resources
The specification page has a number of support resources, acttivities, scheme of work and a course planner
Text book - The New GCSE Arabic Companion by Chawki Nacef - the author also produces a range of preparation books and books on specific skills, these would need comparing to the current specification.
Past papers including audio clips can be accessed through the specification page
CAIE IGCSE Arabic - Foreign Language
Cambridge IGCSE Arabic - Foreign Language (0544)
"This is designed for learners who are learning Arabic as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.
The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where Arabic is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.""
Resources
There doesn't appear to be a textbook for this course
Collins have a subscription to an online vocabulary resource that is endorsed by CAIE, It has a hefty price tag so worth approaching Collins to see if any discounts are available.
Past papers are available through the specification page and here
First Language Arabic : Edexcel International GCSE
This specification is aimed at students who speak Arabic as a first language.
See the Specification and support materials on the Edexcel Arabic - First Language IGCSE page.
There is a dedicated textbook for this course:
Edexcel International GCSE Arabic 1st Language Student Book by Prof Eltayeb Ali Abusin et al. The answer file can be downloaded from Edexcel.
Resources
Arabic Language Educational Books have textbooks at cheaper prices than Amazon, including a range aimed at the Edexcel GCSE syllabus.
On the exam board page for your chosen exam, look at 'Resources' or 'Teacher Support Material' for , eg, Editable Schemes of Work, which can be very useful.
The Examiner's Reports can also be downloaded from the exam board sites, and are particularly useful for this subject in explaining what the examiners are looking for.