Edexcel GCSE Portuguese specification (1PG0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Portuguese 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 Edexcel GCSE Portuguese 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 Portuguese (1PG0) 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 GCSE (9–1) in Portuguese is designed to enable students to develop effective communication skills in speaking and writing, build a solid understanding of grammar and vocabulary, and foster an appreciation for the culture of Portuguese-speaking communities. This qualification is accessible to learners of all abilities and offers a progressive route to further study or employment.
It aims to: • Develop confident and coherent communication in Portuguese through speaking and writing • Enable students to understand clearly articulated spoken and written Portuguese • Enhance cultural knowledge of Portuguese-speaking regions • Encourage independent and creative language use through engaging real-world contexts • Build skills across five themes covering personal, social, educational, and global topics • Lay the groundwork for future language study or use in work/travel contexts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and Culture
- Who am I?: relationships, family, role models, interests, socialising
- Daily life: customs, food, shopping, social media and tech
- Cultural life: celebrations, reading, music, sport, film, TV
Theme 2: Local Area, Holiday and Travel
- Holidays: preferences, experiences, destinations
- Travel and tourist transactions: accommodation, problems, directions, eating out, shopping
- Town, region and country: weather, attractions, activities
Theme 3: School
- What school is like: types, day, subjects, rules, success
- School activities: trips, events, exchanges
Theme 4: Future Aspirations, Study and Work
- Using languages beyond school: relationships, employment
- Ambitions: further study, volunteering, training
- Work: jobs, careers, professions
Theme 5: International and Global Dimension
- Bringing the world together: sports/music events, campaigns, causes
- Environmental issues: sustainability, resources:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- Foundation: 35 mins; Higher: 45 mins; 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
- Multiple-choice and short-answer questions in both English and Portuguese
- No requirement to write in Portuguese
Paper 2: Speaking
- Internally conducted, externally assessed
- Foundation: 7–9 mins + 12 mins prep; Higher: 10–12 mins + prep
- 70 marks; 25% of GCSE
- Role play, picture-based task, and conversation on two themes
Paper 3: Reading
- Foundation: 45 mins; Higher: 1 hour; 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
- Questions in English and Portuguese; ends with translation from Portuguese to English
Paper 4: Writing
- Foundation: 1h 15m; Higher: 1h 20m; 60 marks
- 25% of GCSE
- Mix of open response tasks and translation from English into Portuguese
- Formal and informal writing styles assessed
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Listening): 25%
- AO2 (Speaking): 25%
- AO3 (Reading): 25%
- AO4 (Writing): 25% :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Portuguese 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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