Arabic as a First Language (2150)

This specification provides an overview of the LRN International GCSE Arabic as a first Language. This document is suitable for various users, including candidates, centres, administrators, employers, parents/guardians, teachers (and other related staff) and examiners. The specification outlines the key features and administrative procedures required for this international qualification. 

Subject Content	Writing & Reading
Assessment	Assessment objectives (AOs): Weighting: Paper 1: 50% Weighting: Paper 2: 50%
Exam Duration	Two (02) hours
Assessment	Written Exams
Guided Learning Hours	The guided learning hours (GLH) for this qualification are 130. Please note the hours stated are indicative.
Entry Codes	One entry per qualification is sufficient and will cover all the question papers including certification.

Objective

The LRN International GCSE Arabic as a first Language is designed mainly for students whose mother tongue is Arabic. This Arabic subject will enable international candidates to demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly, and accurately. Also, it will guide them to develop a personal style and awareness of the topics they present in their writing, and it will help in developing general analysis and communication skills. 

Mode of Delivery

This qualification has been constructed to be delivered within centres. Centres will need to demonstrate to LRN, through the centre recognition processes, that they have the resources, facilities and competence to deliver through either method. However, centres must be able to demonstrate, in line with LRN’s criteria, that they have the means, capability, capacity and resources (including suitably qualified centre staff) to deliver. 

Progression

The LRN International GCSE Arabic has been designed to reflect the wide variation in candidates’ origins, levels of education and career aims. Progression opportunities may, therefore, take a variety of paths. Depending on the level of qualification achieved, it may be appropriate for the candidate to progress to: 

1. a similar level 2 qualification in Arabic; 
2. a higher level of any qualification – e.g. A-Level, Diploma 
3. National or Vocationally Related Qualifications 

Qualification Overview

Candidates must take the two components.

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Paper 1: Writing

Candidates will write two composition question tasks.
50 marks (each task 25 marks).
Duration: 2 hours

Paper 2: Reading

Candidates will read, analyse and answer questions on two Arabic passages.
50 marks
Duration: 2 hours

Breakdown of Assessment Objectives

AO1 – Writing 

● Be able to write effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences as well as for impact. 
● Be able to eloquent their experience, feelings, and thoughts. 
● Be able to use language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively. 
● Be able to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect with accurate spelling and punctuation 
● Be able to present facts and opinions. 

AO2 – Reading 

● Be able to understand and group specific ideas. 
● Be able to read a range of texts in order to determine explicit information 
● Be able to read a range of texts in order to analyse the ideas and information. 
● Be able to read a range of texts with the ability to analyse and evaluate writers’ thoughts and views. 

Private Candidates

Centres are advised that private candidates are only to be enrolled with prior agreement and confirmation from LRN. 

Results

Exam series are in: 

● January (results released in March) 
● June (results released in August) 
● November (results released in January) 

Re-Takes

Whereas candidates can re-take the whole qualification as often as they wish, individual components cannot be re-taken as it is a traditional linear specification. 

Please remember, one entry per qualification is sufficient and will cover all the question papers including certification. 

Customer Services Statement

Learning Resource Network (LRN) is committed to ensuring all customers are dealt with promptly and in a professional and helpful manner. In order to guarantee this, we commit to ensuring the following in our day-to-day interactions with candidates, assessment centres and our stakeholder network: 

● All customers will be treated equally and with respect. 

● All customer information will only be used in a way which has been agreed in advance, unless we are informed of something that places them or others at risk of harm; 

● All customers will be treated by staff in a professional manner. 

LRN has arrangements in place to provide a telephone and email help desk which will be staffed from 09:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday. Furthermore, it will respond to each e-mail, letter or telephone message it receives regarding feedback on its qualifications, centre approvals process or other matters relating to its products and/or services. The timetable for responding is as follows: 

● E-mail: 5 working days 

● Letter: 5 working days 

● Telephone message: 5 working days