Mandarin < 汉语课程简介 >
Related Pages: Mandarin - Links & Resources
Overview
To learn a foreign language can be hugely beneficial both by way of immediate learning and long term application. At Wellington College Mandarin is our selected compulsory language because of its global significance and our place in China.
Our Mandarin department comprises of 5 specialist teachers to meet the Junior and Senior School needs. Additionally, Chinese teaching assistants in The Nest deliver the Mandarin programme to Nursery and Reception pupils. Lessons include a rich array of oral work and role play, character development and thematic studies.
Junior School
Our Mandarin programme begins in the Nursery year. The lessons are short, frequent and focus on an introduction to Mandarin in a fun and inclusive way. Our classroom teaching assistants lead the lessons to ensure learning is woven into the ongoing classroom programme. All learning at this level is oral.
In Key Stages 1 and 2, the focus is on developing Mandarin competence, to enhance an understanding of language and identity and to develop an international outlook.
Our programme is aligned to the National Languages Strategy of England addressing three key strands of oracy (listening,
speaking and spoken interaction), literacy (reading and writing) and intercultural understanding. The objectives for each of these three strands are progressive allowing students to revisit and expand their knowledge throughout the language learning process.
Contextual units of study consistently include an oracy and literacy focus. Additional units of study that include history, tradition, celebrations and cultural awareness occur at set intervals throughout the year in line with significant dates (eg: Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival etc.).
Lessons are timetabled to occur daily, with pupils taught in native and non-native language groups. This time allocation allows for core language development and the development of cultural awareness.
Regular assessments occur within the lessons to ensure student development is carefully monitored and developed accordingly. Revision and assessment activities occur twice each term addressing the most recent units of study and pre test the upcoming units of study to ascertain the longer term recall and application of previous learning.
As with any language, development is enhanced by way of reinforcement and opportunities to use the language. We encourage you to support your child as they learn by incorporating elements of their learning into your day to day lives eg: use of greetings, counting items in Mandarin etc.
Senior School
Our Senior School Mandarin language studies build on the strong foundations established throughout the Junior School years. In Key Stage 3 all pupils participate in compulsory Mandarin, moving into optional languages from Year 10 as part of the IGCSE studies. Learning Mandarin gives our students opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity.
At the Key Stage 3 level there are a number of key concepts addressed within the Mandarin language and culture programme of study, these concepts include:
- Linguistic competence
- Knowledge about a language
- Creativity
- Intercultural understanding
Mandarin Curriculum 2011/12
Lent Term: Early Years | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6
Michaelmas Term: Early Years | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6
Summer Term: Early Years | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6