From speaking Japanese at home
to exam-day results.
Growing up speaking Japanese at home doesn't automatically translate into the reading, writing and academic skills that GCSE, A-Level and IB Japanese require. Drawing on my experience administering the GCSE Japanese Speaking exam, I build a plan tailored to your child's level and goals.
Parents and students are both welcome to join the consultation.
What parents tell me most often
Being able to speak Japanese at home and being able to score well in an exam are two different skills.
My child can chat with us in Japanese, but freezes as soon as kanji or essay writing comes up.
We're not sure whether IB Ab initio, Language B or Language A is the right fit for our child.
I'm not sure school lessons alone are enough, but I don't know how to support the studying at home.
Keigo (formal/polite Japanese) and written Japanese trip my child up — none of it comes up in everyday conversation.
GCSE / A-Level / IB Japanese — an overview
Exam specifications can change, so please always confirm the latest details with the school or exam board. Here's a general guide.
| GCSE Japanese | A-Level Japanese | IB Japanese | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam board | Pearson Edexcel (the only board offering GCSE Japanese in the UK) |
Pearson Edexcel (the only board) |
International Baccalaureate (IB) IB World Schools only |
| Typical year group | Mainly Year 10–11 (ages 14–16) | Mainly Year 12–13 (16+) | Year 12–13 (16+), IB Diploma schools |
| Skills assessed | 4 papers — Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing — each worth 25% of the final grade | Advanced listening, reading, writing and translation, plus research-based study | Depends on the course chosen (see below) |
| Level guide | Foundation Tier: 76 kanji / Higher Tier: 200 kanji | Builds substantially beyond GCSE. A 2024 syllabus amendment (first assessed summer 2026) means listening/reading comprehension questions and answers are now mostly in English, with literary and film questions given in both languages |
Ab initio: complete beginners, SL only, approx. 150 study hours Language B: students with prior experience, SL/HL Language A: native/near-native speakers, literature-focused, SL/HL |
The above is a general guide based on Pearson Edexcel and IB published specifications — actual requirements vary by school and year, and specifications are periodically updated. Choosing the right IB course in particular can be difficult for families to judge alone. Get in touch for a free consultation.
Why Mutsumaki Japanese
Speaking Japanese and preparing for an exam are two different kinds of expertise.
Experience administering the GCSE Japanese Speaking exam
Familiar with how exam day actually runs, which shapes practical, realistic speaking preparation.
Teaching experience in UK secondary schools
Have taught GCSE, A-Level and IB Japanese classes in UK secondary schools.
Understanding of heritage-language learners
Years of teaching children from Japanese families in the UK at a supplementary Japanese school — I know the "can speak but can't write" hurdle well.
Qualified teacher with specialist training
Qualified Japanese teacher, with a Japanese teaching licence and Japanese-language teacher training.
Safe and reassuring for families
Holds an Enhanced DBS Certificate.
Experience across different levels
GCSE, A-Level and IB Japanese, as well as JLPT (N5–N1) and adult learners.
What does exam preparation look like?
IB course guidance
I can help you understand the differences between Ab initio, Language B and Language A, and assess your child's current level, before you confirm the options available with your school.
Curriculum by year group and level
Kanji, vocabulary and grammar are built up in stages, matched to the target exam.
Speaking & writing practice
Realistic, exam-style speaking and writing practice, informed by experience administering the GCSE speaking exam.
Support for heritage-language learners
Extra focus on keigo, written Japanese and essay structure — the areas everyday spoken Japanese doesn't cover.
Past papers & mock exams
Getting comfortable with exam format while identifying and addressing weak points.
Progress updates for parents
Clear, regular updates on your child's progress.
Mutsumi Abe
Mutsumi Abe
Japanese Teacher | Experience Administering the GCSE Japanese Speaking Exam | Based in London
- Extensive teaching experience in the UK and Japan
- Has taught GCSE, A-Level and IB Japanese classes at UK secondary schools
- Experience administering the GCSE Japanese Speaking exam (at a school in London)
- Many years teaching children from Japanese families in the UK at a supplementary Japanese school
- Qualified Japanese teacher (Japanese teaching licence and Japanese-language teacher training)
- Holds an Enhanced DBS Certificate
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 15-minute online consultation. Parents and students are both welcome to join. It isn't a lesson — it's a chance for me to hear about your child's year group, exam plans, current Japanese study, Japanese at home, any concerns, and what kind of support would help.
If it would be useful to see your child's actual Japanese level, I can suggest an optional trial lesson / level check as a next step. It isn't required for everyone.
GCSE Japanese private lessons: £45/hour
Please get in touch for A-Level and IB lesson rates.