Edexcel GCSE Russian specification (1RU0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Russian 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 Russian 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 Russian (1RU0) 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 Russian enables learners to develop confident communication in speech and writing, with a focus on real-world scenarios and culturally relevant topics. It encourages spontaneity, accuracy, and creative language use, supporting a smooth progression from Key Stage 3 to further study. The course fosters an appreciation of Russian-speaking cultures and aims to equip students with transferable language-learning skills that support further education or employment.
Key aims: • Communicate confidently with native speakers in speech and writing • Express ideas fluently, using accurate and creative language • Understand authentic spoken and written Russian, including literary texts • Develop knowledge of Russian grammar and vocabulary • Increase cultural awareness of Russian-speaking communities • Apply Russian in real-life contexts and across the curriculum:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Who am I?: relationships, family, friends, role models
- Daily life: customs, food, shopping, technology and social media
- Cultural life: festivals, reading, music, sport, film and TV
Theme 2: Local area, holiday, travel
- Holidays: preferences, experiences, destinations
- Tourist transactions: accommodation, help, directions, eating out, shopping
- Town/region: weather, attractions, local activities
Theme 3: School
- School life: types, timetable, subjects, rules, success
- Activities: trips, events, exchanges
Theme 4: Future aspirations, study and work
- Languages beyond school: relationships, travel, jobs
- Ambitions: further study, volunteering, training
- Work: jobs, careers
Theme 5: International and global dimension
- Global events: sports, music, campaigns
- Environment: being green, resources:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Russian
- Foundation: 35 mins; Higher: 45 mins; 50 marks; 25% of total
- Section A: English questions; Section B: Russian questions
- Responses: multiple-choice, short answers
- Audio recordings feature native speakers
Paper 2: Speaking in Russian
- Foundation: 7–9 mins; Higher: 10–12 mins; 70 marks; 25% of total
- Conducted internally, assessed externally
- Tasks: Role-play, picture-based discussion, conversation on 2 themes
Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Russian
- Foundation: 50 mins; Higher: 1 hr 5 mins; 50 marks; 25% of total
- Section A: English; Section B: Russian; Section C: Translation into English
Paper 4: Writing in Russian
- Foundation: 1 hr 20 mins; Higher: 1 hr 25 mins; 60 marks; 25% of total
- Foundation: 3 written tasks + translation into Russian
- Higher: 2 written tasks + translation into Russian
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Listening): 25%
- AO2 (Speaking): 25%
- AO3 (Reading): 25%
AO4 (Writing): 25%
No dictionaries allowed in any paper:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Russian 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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