Mandarin Chinese 

Mandarin Chinese 1 - This is an introduction to Mandarin Chinese language and culture. The course introduces the Chinese pronunciation system (Pinyin), writing system, basic grammar structure, and aspects of culture. Through the development of receptive, productive, and interactive skills, students acquire the ability to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. At the end of the course, students will be able to give general information about themselves, families and friends, daily life, and the immediate environment.

Mandarin Chinese 2 - This course further develops students’ abilities to communicate in Mandarin Chinese. Its objective is for students to achieve communicative competence in a variety of everyday situations. Through the development of receptive, productive, and interactive skills, students acquire the ability to respond and interact appropriately. At the end of the course, students will be able to give extended information about themselves, families and friends, daily life, and the immediate environment.

Mandarin Chinese 3 - This is an intermediate-level Mandarin Chinese course. The course furthers students’ language acquisition and development in the four primary language skills, which is achieved through the study and use of a range of written and spoken materials. Learning will be demonstrated through oral and written activities including dialogues, skits, conversations, discussions, compositions, and cultural projects. Reading strategies and writing skills will be taught throughout the course to help students further develop fluency and accuracy. Past IB Mandarin ab initio exam materials will also be used for IB track students.

Mandarin Chinese 4 - This course further develops students’ fluency and knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. Seniors who complete this course will be able to sit for the IB Standard Level exam, including ab initio. Text-handling and written production skills of a variety of different styles will be developed throughout the course of study. Oral assessments in individual and group settings will be conducted per IB requirements. The learning tasks will utilize higher-level thinking skills, grammatical analysis, and personal opinions. In addition to the past IB Mandarin exams, students will participate in presentations, debates, panel discussions, essays, and sustained impromptu oral expression.

Mandarin Chinese 5 - This is an intermediate to advanced level Mandarin Chinese course. Seniors who complete this course will be able to sit for the IB Standard Level exam. The course places an emphasis on extended conversation, discussion, and literary texts. Students will gain fluency through researching, reading, writing essays, and discussing various themes and current topics. Within this thematic approach, critical thinking skills will be emphasized in a variety of written and oral assessments.