AQA GCSE Polish specification (8688)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Polish 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 Polish 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 Polish (8688) 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
The AQA GCSE Polish specification is designed to help students of all abilities develop effective language skills and cultural knowledge, enabling them to communicate with confidence across a variety of contexts. It aims to make language learning enjoyable and rewarding by integrating real-world communication, cultural understanding, and grammatical competence.
Key goals include: • Equipping students with the skills to understand spoken and written Polish • Encouraging effective communication through speaking and writing • Promoting appreciation of Polish-speaking cultures • Supporting language development for use in further education, work, or travel
The linear course structure ensures a clear progression, and assessments are designed to be fair, accessible, and supportive of student performance across the ability range:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and Culture
- Me, my family and friends: relationships, marriage, family life
- Technology in everyday life: social media, mobile technology
- Free-time activities: music, film/TV, food and sport
- Customs and festivals in Poland
Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
- Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Social issues: charity/volunteering, healthy/unhealthy living
- Global issues: environment, poverty/homelessness
- Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment
- My studies
- Life at school/college
- Education post-16
- Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Students are also expected to master grammar (e.g. noun cases, verb conjugation, participles), communication strategies (e.g. for understanding and producing language), and vocabulary relevant to all three themes:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- Assesses understanding of spoken Polish
- Foundation Tier: 35 mins (40 marks); Higher Tier: 45 mins (50 marks)
- 25% of total GCSE
- Includes questions in English and Polish, answered in both languages or non-verbally
Paper 2: Speaking
- Non-exam assessment conducted by teachers
- Foundation: 7–9 mins; Higher: 10–12 mins (+ preparation time)
- 25% of total GCSE
- Tasks: role-play, photo card, general conversation
Paper 3: Reading
- Assesses understanding of written Polish
- Foundation: 45 mins (60 marks); Higher: 1 hr (60 marks)
- 25% of total GCSE
- Includes translation from Polish into English
Paper 4: Writing
- Foundation: 1 hr (50 marks); Higher: 1 hr 15 mins (60 marks)
- 25% of total GCSE
- Foundation: message, short passage, translation (English→Polish), structured task
- Higher: structured task, open-ended task, translation (English→Polish):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Polish 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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