This course is for non-native/non-heritage students. At an initial stage, the course places a greater emphasis on listening, speaking and reading skills, while students, later on, will also be required to write Chinese characters. It is recommended that students practise the skills learnt in the classroom within the wider Chinese community. 

• The topic areas are:

Everyday activities - Personal and social life - The world around us - The world of work - The international world. 

Why you should study this?

1. China is one of the world’s oldest and richest continuous cultures, over 5000 years old. You are bound to be amazed by its culture.

2. China is the most populous nation in the world, with 1.45 billion people. One fifth of the planet speaks Chinese. Mandarin Chinese is the mother tongue of over 873 million people, making it the most widely spoken first language in the world.

3.  China is the second largest economy. More and more business are done with China, so are many job opportunities. 

Is Mandarin really hard?

NO, speaking Mandarin is a joyful thing, just like singing. And unlike French, German or English, Chinese has a relatively uncomplicated grammar. 

Do I have to write characters?

YES, but not too many, around 150 characters from memory. 

What level should my Mandarin be to take a modern foreign language?

If you have previously studied Mandarin in Key Stage 3 or you have equivalent knowledge and understanding.