Getting Started Guide - GCSE (9-1) Japanese - Pearson Edexcel 2017

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher

Getting Started: GCSE Japanese 2017 explains the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Japanese (1JA0), including key specification features and the support package for implementing the new course. It outlines the 2017 design principles, such as engaging topics, manageable five-theme structure, real-world assessment focus, accessible papers, carefully selected texts, clear criteria, and continuous progression toward A level. It also details changes affecting first assessment in 2019, including the 9–1 grading system and removal of controlled assessment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Key features of our GCSE Japanese

Support for the new specification

What’s changed?

Changes to the GCSE qualification

Changes to content and assessment requirements

Changes to Assessment Objectives

Planning

Planning and delivering the course

Suggested resources

Delivery models

Content guidance

Assessment guidance

Implications of linear assessment

Paper 1

Paper 2

Paper 3

Paper 4

Non-examination assessment

Getting Started Guide GCSE (9-1) Japanese Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Japanese (1JA0) Getting Started: GCSE Japanese 2017 Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. What’s changed? 3 2.1 What are the changes to the GCSE qualification? 3 Changes to content and assessment requirements for GCSE Japanese 3 Changes to Assessment Objectives 3 2.2 Changes to the Edexcel GCSE Japanese 5 Specification overview 5 Changes to specification content 6 3. Planning 8 3.1 Planning and delivering the course 8 3.2 Suggested resources 8 3.3 Delivery models 9 4. Content guidance 10 5. Assessment guidance 15 5.1 Implications of linear assessment 15 5.2 Paper 1 15 5.3 Paper 2 16 5.4 Paper 3 17 5.5 Paper 4 17 5.6 Non-examination assessment 18 1. Introduction The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Japanese has been developed to help students of all abilities progress and develop a passion for languages, through culturally engaging content. Key features of our GCSE Japanese The specification and Sample Assessment Materials have been developed in consultation with the languages community – subject associations, academics and advisors, and hundreds of teachers and students. Drawing on feedback at every stage, the Edexcel specification has been developed to be an engaging and inspirational course of study that will enable your students to manipulate and use the target language effectively, independently and creatively, so that they have a solid basis from which to progress to A level or employment. The 2017 specification has been built on the following key principles: Engaging and popular topics Our specification includes both familiar and new topics that you have told us you like and that motivate your students. Manageable content Our content has been structured across five themes. This flexible programme of study allows time for a focused revision period at the end of the course. Content and assessments that provide an engaging real-world focus The authentic situations and stimuli enable students to see language in context and learn about the culture of the target language country. Our assessments allow for spontaneity and test grammar, as well as providing plenty of opportunities for students to apply their knowledge independently, creatively, and in authentic situations. Straightforward assessments that are accessible to all students Special care has been taken to ensure that all our papers are clear and concise and, where appropriate, questions feature scaffolding to help all students progress through the assessments confidently. All papers are structured so that they are progressive in their level of demand, with the most demanding question being the final question in the paper. Translation tasks are progressive in their level of difficulty and are of appropriate demand at each tier. Carefully selected texts We have worked closely with teachers and expert practitioners to ensure we include interesting and relevant texts at the right level for learners at each tier, and that will encourage the use of a wide range of texts in the classroom. Clear and precise assessment criteria Our mark schemes have been trialled with sample student answers to ensure they reward students appropriately and that it is clear what is expected of learners at each band. Continuous progression Our content builds on the understanding developed at Key Stages 2 and 3 while also ensuring that learners new to the subject are appropriately supported, and provides a firm foundation for students to make a smooth transition to A level. Support for the new specification This Getting Started guide provides an overview of the new GCSE specification, to help you get to grips with the changes to content and assessment, and to help you understand what these mean for you and your students. We are providing a package of support to help you plan and implement the new specification.

FAQs

What does the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Japanese 2017 Getting Started guide cover?

It provides an overview of the GCSE Japanese 2017 specification, highlights key features, and explains what the changes mean for teaching, students, and assessment planning.

What major assessment changes are introduced for first assessment in 2019?

The guide states that the 9–1 grading system replaces A*–G, controlled assessment is removed, and all assessment is through external examinations with externally set and marked papers.

How does the guide describe the course structure and learning progression?

It describes content organized across five themes, progressive accessibility through clear paper structure and scaffolding, and continuous progression supporting students from earlier key stages and transitioning toward A level.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher