Edexcel GCSE Italian specification (1IN0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Italian 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Italian 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 Edexcel GCSE Italian (1IN0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Italian supports learners in communicating confidently with native speakers through speech and writing. The course builds fluency by encouraging spontaneous and coherent expression, supported by cultural awareness of Italian-speaking communities. With themes reflecting everyday experience and future aspirations, it enables students to deepen their understanding of language structure and vocabulary, and to respond to authentic spoken and written materials. It also promotes language-learning strategies and transferable skills useful for further study or employment:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Who am I?: relationships; childhood; family and friends; socialising; role models
- Daily life: customs; food and drink; shopping; social media and technology
- Cultural life: celebrations; reading; music; sport; film and TV
Theme 2: Local area, holiday and travel
- Holidays: preferences; experiences; destinations
- Travel and tourist transactions: transport; problems; directions; dining and shopping
- Town, region and country: weather; attractions; leisure activities
Theme 3: School
- What school is like: types of school; school day; subjects; rules; success
- School activities: trips; events; exchanges
Theme 4: Future aspirations, study and work
- Using languages: relationships; travel; employment
- Ambitions: study; volunteering; training
- Work: jobs and careers
Theme 5: International and global dimension
- Bringing the world together: sports; music; campaigns and causes
- Environmental issues: sustainability; access to resources:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Italian
- Foundation: 35 mins | Higher: 45 mins
- Two sections: multiple-choice and short-answer
- Instructions in both English and Italian depending on section
- 25% of total grade
Paper 2: Speaking in Italian
- Internally conducted, externally marked
- Foundation: 7–9 mins | Higher: 10–12 mins (+12 mins prep)
- Three tasks: role play, picture-based task, conversation (with themes)
- 25% of total grade
Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Italian
- Foundation: 45 mins | Higher: 1 hour
- Includes multiple-choice, short answers, and translation from Italian to English
- 25% of total grade
Paper 4: Writing in Italian
- Foundation: 1 hr 15 mins | Higher: 1 hr 20 mins
- Includes open-response writing and translation from English to Italian
- Tasks require use of formal/informal registers
- 25% of total grade
Tiers and Marks
- Students take all four papers at the same tier
- Foundation: grades 1–5 | Higher: grades 4–9 (grade 3 possible in some cases)
- Each paper scaled to equal weight (70 marks)
- No dictionaries allowed in any paper:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Italian 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.
Share this article