Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese 0509 - Syllabus for exams in 2028 and 2029 - Version 1 - key benefits and assessment overview

Oct 23, 2026

Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese 0509 syllabus for examinations in 2028 and 2029 (Version 1) explains the programme’s purpose, key benefits, and how schools can implement the course. It outlines aims, content and assessment objectives, including paper structure for reading, directed writing, classical Chinese, and writing. Guidance covers entry procedures, accessibility and equality considerations, post-exam use of grades, and what changes apply for the 2028–2029 period. It emphasizes outcomes through data-led insight and support for learners’ long-term development.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits

1 Why choose this syllabus?

Cambridge IGCSE overview

2 Syllabus overview

Aims

Content overview

Assessment overview

Assessment objectives

3 Subject content

4 Details of the assessment

Paper 1 - Reading, Directed Writing and Classical Chinese

Paper 2 - Writing

5 What else you need to know

Before you start

Making entries

Accessibility and equality

After the exam

How students and teachers can use the grades

Changes to this syllabus for 2028 and 2029

Syllabus ™ Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese 0509 Use this syllabus for exams in 2028 and 2029. Exams are available in the June series. Version 1 For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Why choose Cambridge? We work with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. As part of the University of Cambridge, we offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19, informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With recognised qualifications, high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Qualifications that are recognised and valued worldwide From the world’s top-ranked universities to local higher education institutions, Cambridge qualifications open doors to a world of opportunities. Setting a global standard With over 160 years of experience in delivering fair, valid and reliable assessments to students worldwide, we offer a global, recognised performance standard for international education. Your path, your way Schools can adapt our curriculum, high-quality teaching and learning resources and flexible assessments to their local context. Our aligned offer helps Cambridge schools support every learner to reach their potential and thrive. Learning with lasting impact Cambridge learners build subject knowledge and conceptual understanding, and develop a broad range of skills, learning habits and attributes to help make them ready for the world. Improving learning outcomes through data-led insight and action Our trusted baseline and diagnostic assessments, together with our insights and evaluation service, help schools turn data into knowledge and actionable insights, to inform teaching decisions and improve learner outcomes. Bringing together a community of experts We bring together the collective knowledge of experts and our diverse community of educators worldwide, supporting them to learn from one another and share ideas and information. Tackling the climate crisis together We believe that education is key to tackling the climate crisis. Together with Cambridge schools, we can empower young people with the skills and knowledge to take action on climate change, helping them be ready for the world. School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA © Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2025 Cambridge International Education is the name of our awarding body and a part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University Press & Assessment retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents Why choose Cambridge? ............................................................................................... 2 1 Why choose this syllabus? ........................................................................................ 4 2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................... 7 Aims 7 Content overview 8 Assessment overview 9 Assessment objectives 10 3 Subject content .........................................................................................................11 4 Details of the assessment .............

FAQs

What is the Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese 0509 syllabus used for in 2028 and 2029?

It is used for exams in 2028 and 2029, available in the June series, and provides guidance for teaching and assessment under Version 1.

Which papers and skills are assessed for Cambridge IGCSE First Language Chinese 0509?

Paper 1 assesses Reading, Directed Writing and Classical Chinese, while Paper 2 focuses on Writing.

Are there significant changes to the syllabus for teaching in 2028 and 2029?

The latest syllabus is Version 1 published September 2025, and it states there are no significant changes affecting teaching for the 2028–2029 period.

Oct 23, 2026

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