Mandarin

Key Information

You can take a GCSE in French, German, Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish, depending on which language you have studied in Years 7 to 9. If you are taking part in the Mandarin Excellence Programme, you will continue to study Chinese (Mandarin).

A modern foreign language at GCSE level is one subject named in the English Baccalaureate. A GCSE qualification in a language will be invaluable for those aspiring to study at university.

Speaking more than one language increases your brain capacity and is an impressive achievement, giving you better and brighter options for your future! 

Cultural and linguistic opportunities

Discover Languages beyond textbooks and worksheets to make them real, relevant and alive by taking part in different linguistic opportunities such as:

Cultural and linguistic opportunities for Mandarin pupils in Year 10:

1. Year 10 Conference “Journey to the East - A Voyage of Discovery” - A residential trip to the ICC in Birmingham - MEP students only

2. 4 days Year 10 Intensive Study Tourism Project including a day trip to the University of Southampton. - MEP students only

3. Songwriting Competition hosted by UCL, London - for all Mandarin learners

4. HSK 3 test - to earn a globally recognized Chinese proficiency certificate and opportunity to apply for scholarships to China - for MEP students and capable candidates

5. A day trip to London Chinatown - for all Mandarin learners.

Remember that Language is more than just words and grammar concepts, come and join us and enjoy this unique experience to embrace different cultures.  


Assessment

Equal emphasis is placed on the individual skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with separate final examinations for each. 

All skills are assessed at the end of Year 11 so each final exam is worth 25% of the final grade. Higher and Foundation tiers of entry are available for all GCSE languages.

 Subject information

The main aim of the GCSE courses offered in French, German, Mandarin and Spanish is to further develop pupils' ability to use the foreign language effectively for purposes of practical communication.  

Courses will also aim to offer an insight into the culture and civilisation of other countries, develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning, and provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. 

Over the course you will study a variety of topics, including:

Is this course right for me?

English is not enough! 

Languages are the perfect way to travel and immerse yourself in new cultures.

Future employers will love a second language on your CV.

Learning a foreign language can help you understand your own language.

They’re good for you! A second language improves your memory.

What can this lead to?

Colleges, universities and employers are keen to find people who can speak a second language. Many people study a language GCSE because they want to travel and experience other cultures, but it is also an excellent qualification for supporting many careers, such as:



Key Links

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/chinese-2017.html

http://www.chinese.cn/page/#/pcpage/project_detail

https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/languages/mandarin-excellence-programme

https://www.fluentu.com/blog/foreign-language-jobs/

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/opportunities/languages

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/16/language-graduates-jobs