International GCSE Arabic – First Language (9267)
Enhance students’ Arabic proficiency with this modern specification while developing communication and analytical skills.
- For first teaching from September 2026, with first exams from May/June 2028.
- Specification content has been carefully designed to be appropriate for international and multicultural schools, ensuring no student is disadvantaged through arbitrary barriers.
- Includes creative writing to engage and interest students, with a choice of two exam questions from five in the writing paper.
- Offers a clear assessment structure, including a detailed list of grammar that can be assessed, providing clarity for teachers and students.
Syllabus summary
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.
- Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Teaching resources available
OxfordAQA provides resources and advice you need to teach the International GCSE Arabic specification effectively.
- Download the specification.
- Take a look at specimen papers and mark schemes.
- The OxfordAQA International GCSE Arabic – First Language switching guide.
- View our training courses to help you deliver OxfordAQA International GCSE Arabic.
- From Oxford University Press: fully-matched Student Book and digital teaching resources available soon – register your interest to request a digital inspection copy.
Assessment
First exams from May/June 2028
Paper 1 – Reading Comprehension and Grammar
• Understanding and responding to different types of written language
• Written exam
• 2 hours
• 50 marks
• 50% of GCSE
Paper 2 – Writing
• Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes
• Written exam
• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50 marks
• 50% of GCSE
Thinking about switching to OxfordAQA?
Take a look at:
- Example specimen exam paper and mark scheme for Paper 1.
- The OxfordAQA International GCSE Arabic – First Language switching guide.
You must be an approved OxfordAQA centre to enter students for our exams. Make sure you become an OxfordAQA centre before you start teaching a course.