Mandarin Learning Journey

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Intent

Our language curriculum aims to provide opportunities for all pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of Mandarin Chinese and Chinese Culture.  We believe this is an excellent way of providing global links with a culture and language that is rich, varied and steeped in a long and interesting history. It is our intention that our children access a high-quality language education that will foster the children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Language teaching will provide our children with the foundation for learning further languages and this will equip our children to study and work in other countries.

Implementation

Children in Key Stage 2 have weekly lessons in Mandarin. They are taught by teachers from China, who through the Institute of Education, delivery a successful programme across primary schools to introduce children to the language and the culture of China.  In addition to learning the language, children learn about Chinese history and culture through their lessons, a variety of clubs and annual celebrations such as Chinese New Year. The teaching enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing.

Impact

The impact of our language curriculum will ensure that pupils develop key language learning skills, as set out in the National Curriculum, as well as a love of languages and learning about other cultures. They will also learn how it could help them to communicate in another country or to a Mandarin speaker. Children will increasingly record their learning in spoken and written form. There will be opportunity for children to sit exams in Mandarin should they be at a confident level to do so.