The Cambridge Pre-U Mandarin Chinese syllabus equips learners who are learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language with the skills to survive in a Chinese environment. The syllabus also provides a stepping stone for university courses in Chinese and Chinese studies. As well as allowing learners to develop their language skills, the syllabus fosters an awareness of Chinese culture and history. The official language of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is Mandarin, therefore, this syllabus only requires knowledge of this language. In writing, simplified characters, again prescribed in the PRC, are used. Over the two years, the focus on Listening, Reading and Writing components is to develop proficiency in contemporary, vernacular Mandarin Chinese. Students study a set of topic areas including Family, Young people, Education, The Media, Work and Leisure, and Equality of Opportunity. In Year 12, the syllabus will look at Modern Chinese history starting from the Xin Hai Revolution in 1911 to the formation of the PRC in 1949 and beyond, alongside Mandarin language learning. In Year 13, the syllabus will cover Chinese literature, mostly fiction, with more advanced use of language, such as idioms, embedded into the lessons. For Speaking, you will complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. There will be a weekly oral lesson with a native language assistant who will offer plenty of opportunities to practise Mandarin. All Pre-U Mandarin students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and to proactively run subject clubs for KS3 and KS4 students. There is an excellent selection of clubs at NHEHS, such as the Chinese Calligraphy Club, the Chinese Book and Film Club and the Chinese Cooking Club. In addition, there are also GDST-wide competitions and activities relating to language learning. Externally, NHEHS participates in the annual HSBC speaking competition, ISMLA Original Writing completion, The Stephen Spender Prize and the GDST Anne Hogg Modern Foreign Languages prize. From this academic year, there has also been a new initiative to collaborate with Year v12 at Harrow School on activities that will support the development of language learning. You will need a keen interest in all things Chinese, a positive and curious mindset, a strong work ethic, attention to detail and a willingness to proactively and independently develop your language, for example through the regular learning of vocabulary. Finally, students who embrace the plethora of opportunities for leadership, trips and enrichment are particularly successful in this subject.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Ealing |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £23,895 |
| Address | 2 Cleveland Road, Ealing, W13 8AX |
The Cambridge Pre-U Mandarin Chinese syllabus equips learners who are learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language with the skills to survive in a Chinese environment. The syllabus also provides a stepping stone for university courses in Chinese and Chinese studies. As well as allowing learners to develop their language skills, the syllabus fosters an awareness of Chinese culture and history. The official language of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is Mandarin, therefore, this syllabus only requires knowledge of this language. In writing, simplified characters, again prescribed in the PRC, are used. Over the two years, the focus on Listening, Reading and Writing components is to develop proficiency in contemporary, vernacular Mandarin Chinese. Students study a set of topic areas including Family, Young people, Education, The Media, Work and Leisure, and Equality of Opportunity. In Year 12, the syllabus will look at Modern Chinese history starting from the Xin Hai Revolution in 1911 to the formation of the PRC in 1949 and beyond, alongside Mandarin language learning. In Year 13, the syllabus will cover Chinese literature, mostly fiction, with more advanced use of language, such as idioms, embedded into the lessons. For Speaking, you will complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. There will be a weekly oral lesson with a native language assistant who will offer plenty of opportunities to practise Mandarin. All Pre-U Mandarin students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and to proactively run subject clubs for KS3 and KS4 students. There is an excellent selection of clubs at NHEHS, such as the Chinese Calligraphy Club, the Chinese Book and Film Club and the Chinese Cooking Club. In addition, there are also GDST-wide competitions and activities relating to language learning. Externally, NHEHS participates in the annual HSBC speaking competition, ISMLA Original Writing completion, The Stephen Spender Prize and the GDST Anne Hogg Modern Foreign Languages prize. From this academic year, there has also been a new initiative to collaborate with Year v12 at Harrow School on activities that will support the development of language learning. You will need a keen interest in all things Chinese, a positive and curious mindset, a strong work ethic, attention to detail and a willingness to proactively and independently develop your language, for example through the regular learning of vocabulary. Finally, students who embrace the plethora of opportunities for leadership, trips and enrichment are particularly successful in this subject.