AQA GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin) specification (8673)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin) exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin) specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin) (8673) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin) specification is designed to help students develop their ability to communicate confidently and coherently in Mandarin across a variety of contexts. The course enables learners to understand and respond to spoken and written language, develop accurate pronunciation and intonation, and use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. It also aims to foster an appreciation of Chinese culture and society through authentic materials and relevant themes. The qualification prepares students for further study and equips them with practical language skills for future employment and travel.Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Me, my family and friends: relationships, marriage/partnership
- Technology in everyday life: social media, mobile technology
- Free-time activities: music, cinema, TV, food, sport
- Customs and festivals in Chinese-speaking countries/communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Social issues: charity, voluntary work, healthy living
- Global issues: environment, poverty, homelessness
- Travel and tourism: holidays, destinations, experiences
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
- My studies and life at school/college
- Education post-16 and career choices
- Jobs and ambitions
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- Written exam with recordings in Mandarin
- Foundation: 35 minutes, 40 marks; Higher: 45 minutes, 50 marks
- Includes multiple choice and written responses in English and Mandarin
Paper 2: Speaking
- Internally conducted, externally assessed
- Foundation: 7–9 minutes; Higher: 10–12 minutes (plus prep time)
- Role-play, photo card, and general conversation
Paper 3: Reading
- Written exam: Foundation: 45 minutes, 60 marks; Higher: 1 hour, 60 marks
- Includes multiple choice, short answers in English and Mandarin, and translation from Mandarin into English
Paper 4: Writing
- Written exam: Foundation: 1 hour 15 minutes, 50 marks; Higher: 1 hour 25 minutes, 60 marks
Short tasks, structured writing, open-ended writing and translation from English into Mandarin
All papers are tiered (Foundation or Higher)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin) isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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