The study of Chinese involves immersion into both ancient and contemporary culture and its people and can open the doors to vibrant and exciting global professions involving economics, politics, history, and archaeology. In addition to mainland China and Taiwan, Mandarin Chinese is also the staple language used in business and society, throughout the influential Chinese communities of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Mongolia. Studying and understanding Chinese characters will also offer transferable skills in many different Asian languages.
Teaching Mandarin to non-native speakers for over 15 years, Gresham’s has established an outstanding profile for its expertise in Mandarin teaching and learning. We are able to provide small classes which offer individual attention and a unique opportunity for immersion and self development. The overall number of pupils is growing as the subject becomes popular and embedded in the life of the school. Outcomes from the A Level/IB cohort since 2012 involve non-native speakers applying to read Chinese, International Relations or Oriental/Asian Studies courses at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities.
- IB CHINESE A: LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Entry requirements: Native Speaker
Available at higher and standard level. Higher level study requires a minimum of 240 class hours, while standard level study requires a minimum of 150 class hours. Students study 6 works at higher level and 4 works at standard level from a representative selection of literary forms, periods and places. Students also study a range of non-literary texts and bodies of work that include a wide variety of text-types.
Assessment:
Standard Level Paper 1 (35%): The paper consists of two unseen non-literary passages, from two different text types, each accompanied by a question. Pupils choose one passage and write an analysis of it.
Paper 2 (35%): The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question, pupils write a comparative essay based on two literary works studied in the course.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT: Standard Level
Individual Oral (30%): This component is internally assessed and externally moderated by the IB.
- ACTIVITIES AND SOCIETIES
Every year, it has become a tradition at Gresham’s to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Mid – Autumn festival. Activities include cooking (their own authentic Chinese dishes), eating (at a Chinese restaurant), or joining the Chinese pupils at the New Year hot pot party. We also organise Trip to London China town and to visit British museum southeast Asia.
If there are enough interests, Trips to China can also be organised for pupils to help them learn more about the Chinese culture and language. Previously, as part of an overseas programme, pupils received 20 hours of Mandarin lessons and travelled to Beijing and Xian to visit schools and historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, the Terracotta Warriors, and local villages and markets. They also took part in cultural activities such as tai-chi in the morning, played Chinese musical instruments.
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