My teenager wants to take GCSE or A level Arabic. How do we prepare?
Bloomtivo answers
In the UK, GCSE and A level Arabic are offered by Pearson Edexcel. Many schools do not teach them, so students often enter as private candidates through an exam centre. Check the current specification, find a centre early (often by the autumn before the exam), and prepare all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing in Modern Standard Arabic.
Reviewed by Sondos Hassan, Bloomtivo teacher · Updated
↓ The full answer
A GCSE or A level in Arabic is a real qualification that can help with university applications. Many British Muslim teenagers are capable of it but need a plan.
Key facts (check the latest details with the exam board)
Pearson Edexcel offers GCSE and A level Arabic.
Exams test Modern Standard Arabic, not dialect.
If the school does not offer Arabic, students can usually sit it as a private candidate at an approved exam centre, which charges a fee.
Speaking assessments may need special arrangements; ask the centre.
Who is it suitable for?
Background
Suggested route
Arabic-speaking home, weaker writing
GCSE first, focus on writing and grammar
Strong reader and writer
A level, possibly after GCSE
Beginner
Build foundations for 1–2 years first
A preparation timeline
12–18 months before: download the specification and past papers; assess the level.
Autumn before the exam: find and register with an exam centre.
Weekly: 2–3 lessons covering all four skills, plus vocabulary practice.
Final 3 months: timed past papers and speaking practice.
Skills to cover
Listening: standard Arabic news and recordings.
Speaking: structured topics such as family, school, future plans.
Reading: articles and short texts.
Writing: grammar, spelling and organising paragraphs.
Teacher’s tip: students from Arabic-speaking homes often lose marks on writing and grammar, not speaking. Start writing practice early.
Start with 2 free trial lessons. If your child does not get on with the teacher, we change the teacher and the trial lessons stay free until your child is comfortable. After that, you choose a paid plan that fits your child.
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