GCSE Mandarin
In the GCSE
Mandarin course you will learn to speak, write, and understand the national
language of the People's Republic of China. The aims of the course in
Chinese leading to GCSE are:
- to develop the ability to use Chinese effectively for the purpose of practical communication
- to develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning
- to acquire the skills and attitudes which will form a sound basis for further study, work and leisure
- to promote
learning skills of a more general application e.g. use of information
technology,
analysing and drawing inferences, recognising attitudes and emotions and summarising, reporting and explaining - to develop students' understanding of themselves and their own culture
- to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of other countries
- to encourage positive attitudes to language learning and to other cultures and civilisations
- to promote independence in language learning and use
- to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
Mandarin is a very relevant language to anyone who is intending to stay in Asia or work in China, Taiwan or Singapore, and its growing importance in Hong Kong is obvious.
The topics covered over the two years are:
1) Life at home
2) Food and drink
3) Health and fitness
4) School
5) Myself, my family and friends
6) Free time and social activities
7) Home town and local area
8) Environment and society
9) Further education and work
10) Language and communication in the workplace
11) Travel at home and abroad
12) World events and issues
Assessment
Students will be entered for the GCSE examination in Mandarin Chinese
as a Foreign Language (London Board, Syllabus 1665) at the end of Year
10 or Year 11.
The GCSE examination will consist of three papers for students who have
followed the curriculum plus a separate Speaking test.
Paper 1 Listening and Responding 33% 45 minutes
Paper 2 Speaking separate certificate 10 - 15 minutes
Paper 3 Reading and Responding 33% 55 minutes
Paper 4 Writing 33% 1¼ hours
