Mandarin

The Mandarin Department aims to teach students how to speak in Mandarin and to introduce them to Chinese culture.

Studying Mandarin will allow students to understand the language and culture of China- the world’s second largest economy and a country with 1.3 billion inhabitants. It is a widely-known fact that the ability to speak another language not only greatly increases future employability prospects, but it also gives students an insight into a unique and fascinating culture. These are just some of the reasons why K.E.S. has introduced Mandarin to its curriculum. 

At K.E.S. all students learn Mandarin in Years 7 and 8, after which they then have the option to continue to GCSE and A Level. Mandarin lessons are taught in a specialist classroom, equipped with a wide-screen computer projector. The latest resources are used in the classroom and are also available for students to access at home, including online resources. Mandarin is taught by a full-time Head of Department and uses the JinBu and GCSE 9-1series of textbooks at Key Stage Three. 

Students will develop their speaking skills to confidently apply their language skills in GCSE and A Level courses, whether they are asking questions or expressing their thoughts and ideas in Mandarin. They will also have opportunities to explore more about Chinese culture through sessions of Chinese cooking and cultural events. Another important part of learning Mandarin is the ability to experience the language first-hand by travelling to China. Students who study Mandarin will be taken on trips to China that will include both sightseeing in world-famous locations such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City in Beijing, and a visit to a Chinese school for exploring a different studying experience.