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:
Me, my family and friends.
Technology in everyday life.
Free-time activities - music, cinema/tv, sport, food.
Customs and festivals in Mandarin-speaking countries/communities.
Home, town, neighbourhood and region.
Social issues - poverty/homelessness.
Global issues - the environment.
Travel and tourism.
Life at school/college.
Education post-16.
Jobs, career choices and ambitions.
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:
Detective
Diplomat
Engineer
First Responder
Flight Attendant
Journalist
Solicitor
Marketing Manager
Football player care officer
Nurse
Screenwriter
Charity Worker
Jobs in the tourism industry
Teacher
Translator
Travel Blogger
Transport/Logistics Manager
Chemist
Careers in media
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