Sixth Form Subject Choices 2021 - Flipbook - Page 18
Beths Grammar School
Chinese Mandarin
Examination board:
Available Levels:
Minimum Entry Requirements:
Head of Department:
Cambridge
Pre-U
Grade 6 at GCSE in Chinese Mandarin
Miss E Price
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
You should feel confident at this Level in the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. You must
also have an interest in understanding the culture and way of life in China and Chinese Mandarin-speaking
countries. You will need to understand the concepts behind Chinese writing and grammar (for example
particles like and , and stroke order).
What will I learn on this course?
The course will help you to develop your general study skills, but most of all you will learn to communicate
at a higher Level in Mandarin. Your reading skills will develop through extensive reading, and you will
improve the quality of your speaking and writing. You will also develop insights into the culture and
civilisation of countries in which Mandarin is spoken.
The Pre-U course is designed to:
Enable students to develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE
Enhance employment prospects
Help students form a sound base of skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and
leisure
Provide an in-depth insight into a major world culture and society
Further intellectual and personal development by promoting learning and social skills
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
You should be interested in languages and communication, and enjoy learning about other cultures and
ways of life. You need to be interested in developing this understanding and exploring the topic areas that
you will have covered at GCSE. You should be keen to spend time working or studying in China in later life.
You should have a good capacity for critical thinking and for processing and analysing information. If you
are interested in the business world, travel or tourism, literature, translation, or in journalism then you are
likely to find the course appropriate.
What kind of work will I need to do outside lessons?
You will need to practise all four language skills on a regular basis: You will be expected to read as much
Mandarin as possible, work with the Hanban Chinese Language Assistant on a weekly basis to develop your
spoken skills and use appropriate websites suggested by your teachers to practice listening as well as
vocabulary and grammar. You will be expected to dedicate enough time to each of the skills. Written
homework is also an important part of the course, as you will improve your essay-writing skills both in
English (for research and analysis) and Chinese (for communicative ability).
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Sixth Form Prospectus