MANDARIN CHINESE

Studying A Level Mandarin Chinese prepares you to live, work, or study in the Chinese-speaking world, as well as providing a foundation for university courses in Chinese or related disciplines such as Asia-Pacific Studies. In addition to developing your language skills, you will explore a range of themes and literary works and build an awareness of Chinese culture and history.

Understanding Mandarin Chinese opens up a completely different culture. You develop knowledge and skills that will be significant advantages for you in the global job market. China is at the forefront of many sectors including business, medicine, science and technology, so a command of the Chinese language makes you a very appealing applicant to any university or employer. Language study also develops memory and communication skills, and these transfer to any career field. China is a superpower whose influence will continue to grow, and your knowledge and understanding of Chinese language and culture will always be in demand.

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Key Topics

You develop your understanding of the Chinese language through the study of four major themes across both Years 12 and 13:

  • Changes in Modern Chinese Society
  • Chinese Culture in festivals and media
  • The evolving Chinese world: technology, global communication, economic development
  • The impact of the 1978 reforms and the ‘Opening of China’

You also learn about modern Chinese culture through the study of one literary text and one film. You will read the 2014 short story A Pigeon Called Feng by Cao Wenxuan, and you will analyse one of three popular films from the 2000s.

Assessment

  • Paper 1: Listening, reading, and translation, 40% of total mark, 2-hour exam
  • Paper 2: Written response to works and translation, 30% of total mark, 160-minute exam
  • Paper 3: Speaking, 30% of total mark, 30 minutes including preparation time