Mandarin

A chinese flag flying on top of a buildi

Our intent is to develop the student's language proficiency required to communicate effectively in Mandarin in a range of predictable situations, obtain insights into the culture and society of countries and communities where Mandarin is spoken and gain awareness of the nature of language and language learning.

Languages lessons will encourage positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages, foster internationalism and promote a sympathetic approach to other cultures. They will provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation, develop transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum and form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for progression to work or further study.

Learning languages inspires and broadens students' perspectives, encouraging them to think critically and empathetically in an increasingly interconnected world. Mastering a new language helps to build futures by enhancing career opportunities and preparing students for diverse international environments. Moreover, it shapes values by promoting respect, inclusion, and a deeper appreciation of different cultures, empowering students to become thoughtful, compassionate global citizens.

In order to meet these aims we will…

Use sentence builder grids, mind maps and word clouds to introduce new topic vocabulary.
Use word games to consolidate and reinforce learning of key vocabulary and grammar.
Include pair work and group talk to practise and consolidate languages and vocabulary.
Use pronunciation websites to help students with the pronunciation of the language.
Complete listening comprehension tasks (audio and video) to develop listening skills and to check comprehension of the spoken language.
Complete reading comprehension tasks (authentic and semi-authentic texts) to check comprehension skills and knowledge of key vocabulary and grammar.
Analyse and adapt model texts to support writing.
Use writing frames to scaffold and support writing and to embed sentence structures.
Use word mats to allow students to be creative and free to apply their knowledge of structures and to create original sentences.
Use mini whiteboards to practise and assess writing, spellings, vocabulary and grammar.
Use interactive languages learning websites for interactive grammar exercises to practise and reinforce knowledge of key vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Use Gianfranco Conti’s Extensive Processing Instruction (E.P.I.) teaching and learning strategies to give students extensive exposure to naturalistic language input, which mirrors how individuals acquire their first language.

Students will be able to…

Listening

Understand the main points and key information in simple everyday material.
Understand clear speech on a range of familiar topics.
Understand the description of events and expression of ideas, opinions and attitudes in simple texts.
Identify and select relevant information in predictable texts.

Reading

Understand the main points and key information in simple everyday material.
Understand authentic factual texts on a range of familiar topics.
Understand the description of events and expression of ideas, opinions and attitudes in simple texts.
Identify and select relevant information in predictable texts.

Speaking

Communicate clearly and effectively in a range of predictable everyday situations.
Engage in conversations on familiar topics, expressing opinions and feelings.
Use a range of structures and vocabulary with reasonable accuracy.
Demonstrate some ability to maintain interaction.
Show some control of pronunciation and intonation.

Writing

Communicate factual information clearly for everyday purposes.
Write phrases and sentences on a familiar topic.
Write connected texts describing events, experiences, opinions and hopes and ambitions.
Use a range of vocabulary and language structures reasonably accurately.

Subject Staff

Mr. I Smejkal

Head of Faculty

Mrs. S Lu

Teacher

Mrs. Y Peng

Teacher

Curriculum Journey

Mandarin Curriculum

Mandarin Language Curriculum Outline

KS3 Mandarin Assessment Grid for SharePoint.jpg

Mandarin Language Assessment Criteria

Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9)

Marking & Feedback

Framework Document

Key Stage 4 (Year 10 & 11)

IGCSE Exam Board, syllabus and assessment criteria

Mandarin Foreign Language (CAIE)

Mandarin Language Curriculum Outline

Pre-U (Year 12 & 13)

KS5 Mandarin B Outline for SharePoint.png

Mandarin Language B Curriculum Outline

IBDP Language B

Subject Brief

Which degrees does this IB subject complement?*

History

Politics

Business Studies

Linguistics

Travel & Tourism

International Relations

Global Studies

European Studies

Comparative Literature

Translating

*The degrees listed are some examples of courses that the subject supports but this is not an exhaustive list. In addition, please note that these subjects are not compulsory for each degree. Please consult individual university websites for specific requirements for their courses.

ISB Secondary Parent Website

Mandarin