From August 2016 we have been developing a Chinese language and culture programme for primary and secondary pupils.
The programme is designed to arouse interest and, more importantly, to maintain motivation and to inspire pupils to take the language to the next level. Every effort has been made to integrate the teaching of Mandarin with other curriculum areas. The examples below exemplify this interdisciplinary approach and some of the variety of learning activities and tasks used to stimulate young minds.
With China becoming more important on the international stage and with rapidly increasing contact between the UK and China and the Chinese-speaking population at all levels, it is important that young people can develop the necessary skills to face the challenges of the 21st Century which such contacts will bring.
It is also important for young people to develop mutual respect and to recognise the unique values of both their own and Chinese culture. While Chinese language (writing in characters, and speaking in tones) and Chinese culture are very different from that of the UK, one aim of the programme is to make the learning of Mandarin less ‘alien’ and ‘exotic’, and for the learning of Chinese to be seen, in time, as both normal and accessible.
We are proud of the way in which pupils and staff have engaged with the programme to date.