Specifications that use this resource:

Switching to AQA from Edexcel

To save you time and help you compare our GCSE Bengali specification with the International Edexcel specification, we’ve created some comparison tables.

These tables highlight the content and requirements side-by-side, so you can make the right choice for your students.

Let us know if you’d like to hear from us, we’ll send you everything you need to get started.

Assessment structure

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Foundation Paper 1 – Listening

Paper 1

Written exam

Written exam

35 minutes (including 5 minutes reading time)

Whole qualification assessed through single, 3 hour exam

40 marks (25% of GCSE)

100 marks (100% of GCSE)

Section A, 32 marks:

Questions and answers in English or non-verbal

Section B, 8 marks:

Questions and answers in the target language or non-verbal

The paper will consist of four questions:

  • question 1 (15 marks): translate sentences in English into Bengali
  • question 2 (25 marks): translate a passage in English into Bengali
  • question 3 (25 marks): translate a passage in Bengali into English
  • question 4 (35 marks): writing an essay in Bengali (students have to write an essay on one of four subjects given).

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Higher Paper 1 – Listening

Written exam

45 minutes (including 5 minutes reading time)

 

50 marks (25% of GCSE)

 

Section A, 40 marks:

Questions and answers in English or non-verbal

Section B, 10 marks:

Questions and answers in the target language or non-verbal

Speaking paper

Foundation

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Foundation Paper 2 – Speaking

7–9 minutes (plus 12 minutes preparation time)

60 marks (25% of GCSE)

 
  • Role play: 2 minutes (15 marks)
  • Photo card: 2 minutes (15 marks)
  • Conversation: 3–5 minutes (30 marks)
 

Higher

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Higher Paper 2 – Speaking

10–12 minutes (plus 12 minutes preparation time)

60 marks (25% of GCSE)

 
  • Role play: 2 minutes (15 marks)
  • Photo card: 3 minutes (15 marks)
  • Conversation: 5–7 minutes (30 marks)

Reading paper

Foundation

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Foundation Paper 3 – Reading

45 minutes

60 marks (25% of GCSE)

 

Section A, 33 marks:

Questions and answers in English or non-verbal

Section B, 18 marks:

Questions and answers in the target language or non-verbal

Section C, 9 marks:

Translation into English

 

Higher

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Higher Paper 3 – Reading

1 hour

60 marks (25% of GCSE)

 

Section A, 33 marks:

Questions and answers in English or non-verbal

Section B, 18 marks:

Questions and answers in the target language or non-verbal

Section C, 9 marks:

Translation into English

 

Writing paper

Foundation

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Foundation Paper 4 – Writing

1 hour

50 marks (25% of GCSE)

 

Tasks:

Question 1: Write four sentences to describe a photo (8 marks)

Question 2: Write 40 words approx in response to four short compulsory bullet points (16 marks)

Question 3: Translation of sentences of 35 words approx into the target language (10 marks)

Question 4: Write 90 words approx in response to four compulsory bullet points with a choice of two questions (16 marks)

 

Higher

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Higher Paper 4 – Writing

1 hour 15 minutes

60 marks (25% of GCSE)

 

Tasks:

Question 1: Write 90 words approx in response to four compulsory bullet points with a choice of two questions (16 marks)

Question 2: Write 150 words approx in response to two compulsory bullet points with a choice of two questions (32 marks)

Question 3: Translation of a short passage of 50 words approx into the target language (12 marks)

 

Subject content

Core themes

AQA – GCSE Bengali

Edexcel – International GCSE Bengali

Identity and culture

  • Me, my family and friends
  • Technology in everyday life
  • Free-time activities
  • Customs and festivals in Bengali-speaking countries/communities

Home and abroad

  • Life in the town and rural life
  • Weather and climate
  • Travel, transport and directions
  • Holidays and tourist information
  • Services (for example telephone, bank, post office)
  • Customs and religion
  • Everyday life and traditions in target language countries and communities

Local, national, international and global areas of interest

  • Home, town, neighbourhood and region
  • Social issues
  • Global issues
  • Travel and tourism

Education and employment

  • Childhood
  • School life and routine
  • Work/careers
  • Future plans

Current and future study and employment

  • My studies
  • Life at school/college
  • Education post-16
  • Jobs, career choices and ambitions

House, home and daily routine

  • Types of home
  • Information about self, family and friends
  • Helping about the house
  • Food and drinks

The modern world and the environment

  • Current affairs and social issues
  • Environmental issues
  • The media (TV, film, radio, newspapers)
  • Information and communication technology (internet, mobile phones, email)

Social activities, fitness and health

  • Special occasions
  • Hobbies, interests, sports and exercise
  • Shopping and money matters
  • Accidents, injuries, common ailments and health issues

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