Languages
November 2026 Languages Update
Welcome to the November Languages update.
Welcome to your November Languages update. This month, you can catch up on the latest support, find opportunities to meet and connect with us, and see how your feedback is shaping what we develop next.
As always, please reach out via the contact details at the bottom of this page for any Languages qualifications support needs.
Rebecca Waker - Subject Advisor, Languages
Quick links
In this update you will find:
Make your mark, become a Pearson examiner
Find out what it means to be a Pearson Assessment Associate, what the benefits are and how to apply at our free virtual webinar on Wednesday 18 November, 4-4:45pm (GMT).
During the 45-minute event, we’ll cover:
• What to expect from the Assessment Associate role
• The benefits involved
• How to apply
• Answers to your questions in a live Q&A.
Take your first step towards becoming a Pearson Examiner.
Watch and Catch Up
Catch up on Exam Insights and other training
To catch up on our training, take a look at our Youtube playlists. Event recordings will be added to these pages a few weeks after the event so check back if you weren't able to attend.
Watch: Lessons from the new GCSE
We were pleased to take part in NCLE’s recent Lessons from the new GCSE webinar.
If you missed the session, you can now watch the recording and explore the accompanying resources, including classroom videos and further professional learning through Language Educators Online.
Connect with us
GCSE (2024) Languages networks
Find a GCSE Languages network event, or register your interest in hosting a future event at your centre.
Meet us at events in January
We're looking forward to seeing you at the Association for Language Learning events in Manchester and London this January. If you're attending please come and say hi.
Book a 1-to-1 with me
Have a question about a Languages qualification or want to talk something through?
Your feedback is shaping our support
Earlier this term, we asked what additional support you’d find useful. Your suggestions have highlighted areas including speaking assessments, practical video support, clearer exemplification and making information easier to find.
We’re using that feedback to shape future support, with further speaking support and new GCSE exemplar materials on the way.
We’d love you to keep the ideas coming. Our Languages support wishlist remains open, so let us know what you’d most like to see next.
We've made a change to the Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) for GCSE (9–1) Arabic to align the assessment with the other languages in the suite.
What's changing?
For Paper 1:
- Foundation tier Q14 and Higher tier Q2 will now ask students to choose from four words to complete five gaps, using one word in each gap.
- Previously, students selected from eight words to complete the gaps.
- This change brings the question format in line with the level of demand used across the other language qualifications in the suite.
When will the changes be applied to live assessments?
These changes will be reflected in live assessments from June 2027.
When will the updated materials be available?
The updated SAMs will be available by the beginning of November 2026.
We'll contact you again when the revised materials are available.
Tell us what you think about Pearson Revise
When preparing students for Pearson qualifications you can use any resources that you choose. If you use Pearson Revise or Pearson Revise Online please share your views.
Your thoughts help us continue improving Pearson Revise Online, so we can support you and your students in the best possible way. Simply complete our survey below and you’ll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a selection of free revision books of your choice.
Work with us on International Languages
We're currently recruiting Associates across a wide range of International Qualifications.
Current opportunities include subjects such as International GCSE and International A Level French, German and Spanish, alongside specialist areas including Bangla, Sinhala, Swahili, Tamil and Greek. We also have opportunities available for English as a Second Language.
Becoming an Associate is a great way to develop your assessment expertise, gain insight into the awarding process and support learners around the world. Explore the latest vacancies using the link below.
Explore the new JCQ results dashboards
JCQ have published summer 2026 results on their website for GCSE and A level.
The results provide insights into student entries and attainment in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. JCQ has published results data for 26 years and all the data is on their website to facilitate comparisons.
For the first time JCQ has also published interactive data dashboards for A levels and GCSEs. These dashboards are being piloted with GCSE and A level data in the first instance.
Your Languages Support
If you need support at any point during the year, I'm here to help.
As Pearson Edexcel's Subject Advisor for Languages, I can support you with qualification queries, assessment guidance, finding the right resources and signposting relevant training and support materials. You can contact me by email, book a one-to-one Teams meeting for personalised support, search our Support Portal for answers to common questions, or join our Languages Teachers Facebook group to connect with other teachers and stay up to date with the latest news, resources and events.
Email me on teachinglanguages@pearson.com
Subject advisor
Rebecca Waker
Languages
Subject updates
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Amendment to GCSE (9–1) Arabic sample assessment materials
We've made a change to the Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) for GCSE (9–1) Arabic to align the assessment with the other languages in the suite.