A relevant and engaging qualification to inspire, motivate and challenge students.
- This qualification offers a balanced approach across the key skills of reading, listening and writing
- Topics are fresh, engaging and relevant to students of today
- Uses the same thematic assessment approach as the OxfordAQA International A-level Chinese – First Language qualification, ensuring consistency for students
Register to watch the recording of our online training session to hear more about this new qualification from Lead Developer, Yuwen Fortune.
Register your interest to receive email updates containing resources and support to help you teach this new qualification, including access to digital inspection copies of the Student Books from Oxford University Press.
International GCSE Chinese – First Language (9263)
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.
- Theme 1: Society
- Theme 2: Education and work
- Theme 3: Culture
- Theme 4: Science and technology
- Theme 5: Global dimension
OxfordAQA provides resources and advice you need to teach the International GCSE Chinese specification effectively.
- Download the specification.
- The switching guide will be available before the end of 2025.
- View our training courses to help you deliver OxfordAQA International GCSE Chinese
- From Oxford University Press: fully-matched Student Book and digital teaching resources available in 2026 – register your interest to request a digital inspection copy.
Paper 1 – Listening and Reading
• Understanding and responding to different types of written and spoken language
• Written exam
• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 60 marks
• 60% of GCSE
Paper 2 – Writing
• Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes
• Written exam
• 1 hour 30 minutes
• 60 marks
• 40% of GCSE
Take a look at:
- Example specimen exam paper and mark scheme for Paper 1.
- The OxfordAQA International GCSE Chinese switching guide will be available soon.
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.
