Mandarin

Mandarin has been an important part of the curriculum ever since KH8 opened in 2018. The richness and diversity of our KH8 community is such that the full spectrum of linguistic ability in Mandarin is found within our student body. Our students range from complete beginners to those with fully age-appropriate native-language literacy skills. To meet an support the learning needs of every student, we offer three different Mandarin pathways in the Mandarin Department. These pathways lead into IGCSE courses beyond KS3. Each pathway differs in terms of content covered. However, we cover key skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening; and assess the progress of students in relation to these areas, in each pathway.

Below is a guide to help you understand how students are allocated to each pathway::

First Language Chinese learners speak Mandarin as their first language at home and/or in schools where Mandarin was the instructional medium. No first language Mandarin speakers will be allowed to take anything less than the First Language course.

First Language Chinese offers learners the opportunity to respond knowledgeably to a range of reading passages. The passages cover a range of genres and types, including fiction and non-fiction, and may also include other forms of writing, such as essays, reviews and articles. Learners will have the opportunity to read Classical Chinese prose texts to help to deepen their knowledge of Chinese culture.

Second Language is for heritage students who have been living out of China (or other areas where Chinese is used as an official language) or non-heritage students who have been living in China and learning Mandarin for a long time. Students that have a proven ability; through assessment, may be allowed to take First Language.