MANDARIN CHINESE
The A Level Mandarin Chinese course equips students learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language with the skills needed to live, work, or study in the Chinese-speaking world, as well as providing the foundation needed for university courses in Chinese or related disciplines such as Asia-Pacific Studies. In addition to helping students to develop their language skills, the syllabus covers a range of themes and literary works to build an awareness of Chinese culture and history.
Course content
Candidates develop their understanding of the Chinese language through the study of four major themes across two years:
Theme 1: Changes in Modern Chinese Society
We learn about Chinese family values and how these have changed from one generation to another, and about the challenges of an ageing Chinese population. We learn about the challenges Chinese people face in education and work – from a busy school life to finding a job and maintaining a work-life balance.
Theme 2: Chinese Culture
We study traditional Chinese culture and learn about how Chinese people celebrate important festivals such as Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. We also look at Chinese culture in film, TV, music, and literature.
Theme 3: Evolving Chinese World
We explore how technology and global communication is changing the Chinese society and look at the impact of the internet and social media on Chinese people and on the economy. We learn about the difficult balance between economic development and protecting the natural environment.
Theme 4: Impact of 1978 Reforms and the ‘Opening of China’
We explore how technology and global communication is changing the Chinese society and look at the impact of the internet and social media on Chinese people and on the economy. We learn about the difficult balance between economic development and protecting the natural environment.
Written Response to Texts
In addition to covering these four themes, we will also learn about modern Chinese culture through the study of one literary text and one film. We will read the 2014 short story (lit. ‘A Pigeon Called Feng’) by Cao Wenxuan and analyse one of three popular films from the 2000s.
Assessment
A Level Mandarin Chinese is assessed across three papers.
Paper 1: Listening, reading, and translation (40% of total mark)
2 hours
This paper combines listening and reading comprehension exercises making use of the vocabulary, structures, and themes we study throughout the course. Each exercise is worth 30 marks. This paper also features a short unseen translation from Chinese into English. Students will not have access to a dictionary during the exam.
Paper 2: Written response to works and translation (30% of total mark)
2 hours and 40 minutes
This paper begins with an unseen translation from English into Chinese, worth a total of 20 marks. Students will then answer two extended essay questions worth 50 marks each, on the two literary works we have studied in the course. Answers to the questions must be given in Chinese. Students will not have access to a dictionary or the texts during the exam.
Paper 3: Speaking (30% of total mark)
Approximately 30 minutes including preparation time
The speaking assessment is recorded in college by the teacher, and then assessed by an external examiner. It features two tasks. For the first task, candidates are presented with a stimulus text introducing a topic, and will have five minutes to prepare and note down their ideas before a short discussion on the topic worth a total of 30 marks. For the second task, candidates will give a brief presentation based on a topic they have researched themselves, before answering questions about the topic as part of a wider discussion. The second task is worth 42 marks.
Future Opportunities
Mandarin Chinese opens up a completely different culture, developing language skills that will put you a step ahead in a global market. China sits at the forefront of many sectors including business, medicine, science and technology. A command of the Chinese language will make you an attractive proposition to any university or employer. Language study also develops memory and communication skills which can transfer to any area of your life. Finally, your knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture will help you understand the world of the future, as China is a superpower whose influence looks likely only to grow as the 21st century goes on.
