Arabic B for Non-Native Speakers
Essential Primary Support
It is the subject 85% of expat parents dread because they can't help at home. We decode the Ministry of Education requirements, the "Year 3 Shock," and why hiring a neighbor often fails.
Don't Hire the Neighbor
A common mistake: "My neighbor speaks Arabic, she can tutor."
Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL) is a technical skill. Just because someone speaks English doesn't mean they can teach Phonics. You need a tutor who knows the MoE textbook, not just "Dialect."
Quick Answer: Who takes what?
The Ministry of Education (MoE) splits the curriculum into three streams. Ensure your child is in the correct one:
| Stream | Who is it for? | The Curriculum Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic A | Native Arabs. Students holding Arab passports (e.g., UAE, Egypt, Jordan). | Literature & Analysis. Deep grammar, poetry, and historical texts. |
| Arabic B | Non-Natives (Expats). Students from UK, Europe, Asia, US, etc. | Communication. Vocabulary acquisition, basic reading, and daily conversation. |
| Islamic Studies | Muslim Students Only. Mandatory for Muslim students (Native or Non-Native). | Teaches Quran & Hadith. Non-Muslims usually do PSHE or Library time. |
Why Tutors Must Teach "Fus'ha" (Not Dialect)
This is the #1 reason students fail exams despite having a tutor.
On the Street: "Ammiya" (Dialect)
Most Arabs speak a dialect at home (Egyptian, Levantine, etc.). It’s like slang.
Example: "Esh hada?" (What is this?)
In School: "Fus'ha" (Modern Standard)
Schools are legally required to teach Modern Standard Arabic. It is formal and structured.
Example: "Ma hatha?"
If your tutor teaches your child "street Arabic," they will write the wrong words in their MoE exam. Our Specialist Arabic Tutors focus strictly on the Academic Arabic required for school success.
The "Year 3 Shock"
In FS1-Year 2, Arabic is often fun—songs, colors, and numbers. Parents assume it's easy.
Then Year 3 hits.
- MoE Syllabus Begins: The official government textbook is introduced.
- Weekly Spelling Tests: Students must memorize 10-20 words a week.
- Writing: The focus shifts from letters to full sentences.
This is where the "hatred" of the subject usually begins if the child falls behind. Intervention in Year 3 is critical.
How to Support at Home (When You Don't Speak It)
You feel helpless with the homework. We get it. Here is a strategy:
- Use Translation Tools: Use Google Lens to translate the worksheet instructions instantly so you at least know the task.
- Label the House: Stick Post-it notes on the fridge, door, and table with the Arabic words. Visual memory is powerful.
- Gamify It: Use apps like Languagenut or Duolingo (Junior) to make vocabulary building less painful.
Is Arabic their lowest grade?
Don't let it drag down their report card. Our specialized Arabic B tutors make the language fun and accessible for British/IB students.
Find an Arabic B Specialist