GCSE Mandarin

Chinese Mandarin

GCSE AQA 8673 

Students on the MEP must take Chinese at GCSE.

E-Baccalaureate qualification subject

In order to study this subject at A-Level you must take it for GCSE. 

This course aims to helps students develop their Mandarin language skills in a variety of contexts and a broad understanding of the culture of countries and communities where Mandarin is spoken. It encourages enjoyment of language learning and the recognition that language skills enable students to take their place in a multi-lingual global society.

What would I enjoy about Chinese Mandarin?

Students who pick Mandarin enjoy learning about the Chinese language and exploring China’s fascinating contemporary culture. The Chinese script is not alphabetical and the strokes and the pronunciation of characters needs to be memorised individually. Characters are interesting to learn and Chinese grammar is much simpler than grammar in European languages. 

What careers is it useful for?

Proficiency in Chinese Mandarin is a highly regarded skill by employers in the UK and around the world in international trade, diplomacy, education, translating and interpreting, financial consultancy, the cultural industries, journalism, law, advertising, the civil service, policy making, event management, security, tourism, and many more areas. Studying Chinese will also help you develop good English language skills which will be useful for all career paths. 

What will I study?

The four papers (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) cover the following themes and topics:

Theme 1: Identity and culture Topic 1: Me, my family and friends, Topic 2: Technology in everyday life, Topic 3: Free-time activities, Topic 4: Customs and festivals in Chinese-speaking countries/communities.

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region, Topic 2: Social issues, Topic 3: Global issues, Topic 4: Travel and tourism. 

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment Topic 1: My studies, Topic 2: Life at school/college, Topic 3: Education post-16, Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions.

How is it examined?

Paper 1 Listening Exam – 35 minutes   25%

Paper 2 Speaking Exam – 7-9 minutes   25%

Paper 3 Reading Exam – 45 minutes   25% 

Paper 4 Writing Exam – 1 hour   25%