Cambridge IGCSE Arabic - Foreign Language (0544)

We review all of our syllabuses regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of our schools. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials to improve how learners demonstrate their ability to understand and produce both written and spoken texts in Arabic. These changes are for examination in 2021.

How has the syllabus changed?

The 2021 syllabus develops language proficiency at levels A2 with elements of B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).

• The vocabulary list has been updated.
• We have revised the assessment objectives.
• The syllabus content section now includes the sub-skills learners are expected to develop.

For more information on the framework and language proficiency levels, visit the CEFR website.

How has the assessment changed?

• Paper 1: We have introduced a Listening component with multiple-choice questions (Paper 1) that is weighted at 25% of the qualification. The other components are now also weighted at 25% each.
• Paper 3: Speaking tests has been updated. Candidates will complete one role play and two topic conversations.
• We have made it clearer which sub-skills are assessed in each paper and have included these in the syllabus document.
• Updated assessment objectives now align with relevant CEFR level descriptors and ‘can do’ statements.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021 syllabus.

Support

Look out for a comprehensive range of materials to help you teach the 2021 syllabus including a scheme of work, Example candidate responses, Learner and Teacher Guides as well as specimen paper answers. These resources will be available from April 2019 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub.

Endorsed resources