Languages
Outcomes of the Chinese and Japanese A Level Consultations
This update includes information regarding the outcomes of the Chinese and Japanese A level consultations.
Earlier in the year we wrote to let you know that the Department for Education and Ofqual were consulting on the subject content for Chinese and Japanese AS and A Level. This consultation has concluded and the outcomes are as follows:
- Questions and responses in comprehension (listening and reading) tasks must be in English instead of the target language, unless writing skills are also intentionally being assessed.
- Questions about the literary works and films will be provided in both the target language and English. Students will still be required to respond in the target language to these questions.
Read the updated subject content:
We will be making amendments to our Specifications and Sample assessment materials to reflect this change, which are due for first assessment in June 2026.
Subject advisor
Rebecca Waker
Languages

Subject updates
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February 2025 Languages Update
Dear colleagues,
Welcome to the February 2025 Languages update. At the top of this month’s update I am providing you with all the links and information you may need regarding speaking exams for all of our languages qualifications, as I realise these are fast approaching.
Beyond the speaking updates you will find a range of other items from GCSE 2024 support and training to Assessment Associate vacancies and a chance to have your say on our Subject Advisor updates. Please do take a few minutes to respond to this survey so that I can make these updates as useful as possible for you.
As always, if you need support with any of our languages qualifications, please feel free to reach out to me using the contact details at the bottom of this page or utilize our support portal.
Best wishes,
Rebecca Waker
Subject Advisor for Languages
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January 2025 Languages Update
Dear Colleagues,
Happy new year and welcome back. This update includes the latest updates on our languages qualifications including upcoming training and events.
As always, if you need support with any of our languages qualifications, please feel free to reach out to me using the contact details at the bottom of this page or utilize our support portal.
Best wishes,
Rebecca Waker
Subject Advisor for Languages