Description
The Online IGCSE Italian course is designed for students who are keen to master the Italian language and gain a deeper understanding of Italian culture. Suitable for both beginners and those with some prior experience, the course focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students will be thoroughly prepared to take the Cambridge IGCSE Italian (0535) examination. This internationally recognised qualification offers a strong foundation in the language and provides a meaningful introduction to the rich culture of Italy and other Italian-speaking communities.
Who is this course for?
This online course is designed for students who wish to:
- Develop strong communication skills in Italian.
- Obtain a formal qualification through a globally recognised IGCSE language exam.
- Study independently while benefiting from the structure and guidance of an online programme.
Why choose the Online Italian IGCSE?
This course supports students who want to:
- Communicate confidently in everyday situations using both spoken and written Italian.
- Develop cultural awareness by exploring Italian customs, traditions, and daily life.
- Acquire transferable skills such as listening, reading comprehension, memory, and critical thinking.
- Prepare for further language study at A Level or beyond or use Italian in professional contexts.
What Will You Study?
Students will explore five main topic areas designed to build linguistic ability and cultural insight:
- Everyday Activities – food, health, daily routines, travel.
- Personal and Social Life – friends, family, leisure, home.
- The World Around Us – environment, places, technology.
- The World of Work – school, careers, future plans.
- The International World – global issues, customs, festivals.
The Cambridge IGCSE Italian curriculum helps students build confidence across the four key language skills:
- Listening – Understand and respond to a range of spoken Italian in everyday contexts.
- Speaking – Communicate clearly, engage in conversations, and express ideas, feelings, and opinions fluently.
- Reading – Comprehend a variety of written texts, including articles, messages, blogs, and letters.
- Writing – Write accurately and coherently for different purposes, using appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
The IGCSE Italian is assessed through four equally weighted papers:
- Paper 1: Listening (25%) –Understand spoken Italian in various contexts (Approx. 50 mins)
- Paper 2: Reading (25%) – Read and respond to short texts, letters, adverts and articles (1 hour)
- Paper 3: Speaking (25%)– Take part in conversations and a role-play (Approx. 10 mins + prep time)
- Paper 4: Writing (25%)– Complete practical writing tasks like emails and blog posts (1 hour)
These assessments evaluate the ability to understand, use, and communicate effectively in Italian, with reference to CEFR levels A2–B1.
- AO1 Listening
L1: understand the main points and key information in simple everyday material
L2: understand clear speech on a range of familiar topics
L3: understand the description of events and expression of ideas, opinions and attitudes in simple texts
L4: identify and select relevant information in predictable texts
- AO2 Reading
R1: understand the main points and key information in simple everyday material
R2: understand authentic factual texts on a range of familiar topics
R3: understand the description of events and expression of ideas, opinions and attitudes in simple texts
R4: identify and select relevant information in predictable texts
- AO3 Speaking
S1: communicate clearly and effectively in a range of predictable everyday situations
S2: engage in conversations on familiar topics, expressing opinions and feelings
S3: use a range of structures and vocabulary with reasonable accuracy
S4: demonstrate some ability to maintain interaction
S5: show some control of pronunciation and intonation
- AO4 Writing
W1: communicate simple factual information clearly for every day purposes
W2: write simple phrases and sentences on a familiar topic
W3: write simple connected texts describing events, experiences, opinions and hopes and ambitions
W4: use a range of simple vocabulary and language structures reasonably accurately
This is a two-year online course delivered through a combination of:
- Live online lessons: Interactive sessions with subject specialist teacher.
- Recorded video lessons: Available for flexible learning at any time.
- Assignments: Regularly marked work to track your progress.
- Mock exams: Simulated exams to prepare you for the final IGCSE assessment.
To succeed in this course, you should have:
- A keen interest in the Italian language and culture.
- Basic knowledge of Italian can be beneficial, but it’s not required as the course covers content from the basics to advanced levels.
Studying Italian at IGCSE level can:
- Open doors to further study in the language or related areas such as travel, culture, or business.
- Provide a strong foundation for university-level language studies or international opportunities.
- Equip students with skills that are highly valued in industries such as tourism, international relations, and trade.
Our online platform offers flexible access to learning materials, live and recorded lessons, and a collaborative environment to engage with peers and teachers. Students can take control of their learning journey and pace their studies according to their individual needs.
The course follows the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) guidelines and syllabus for IGCSE Italian (0535), ensuring that students are fully prepared for the examination.
Grammar and Vocabulary Websites
- BBC Italian (Free):
A user-friendly platform offering basic grammar, everyday phrases, and practical vocabulary for students.
- Online Magazines, Newspapers, and News Websites
Corriere della Sera – Easy Italian News (Free):
- This Italian news outlet features a simplified version for language learners, helping students improve reading skills.
- Rai News (Free):
Italy’s official public broadcast news website. Articles are more challenging, but useful for advanced reading practice.
- Fanpage.it (Free):
A modern digital magazine with short articles on trending topics, ideal for improving language comprehension with current events.
- IGCSE Exam
- Syllabus
- IGCSE Textbook
- Textbook
- Cambridge IGCSE™ Italian Student Book, Hodder Education, Boscolo,C, Meloni, E, Morra, C and Stuart, L (ISBN 9781510448087, 2019)
- YouTube Channels and Podcasts for Beginners
- Easy Italian (Free):
Street interviews and everyday Italian conversations with subtitles for language learners.
The Teacher
GCSE Italian at Cambridge Home School Online is taught by Miss Petito. Click on the name below to find out more about our GCSE Italian teacher.