Mandarin
Back to Key InformationWhy Study Mandarin?
Mandarin is a valuable language that opens doors to global opportunities. By studying Mandarin in the Sixth Form, you’ll:
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Enhance your linguistic skills: Build on your GCSE knowledge and develop advanced language proficiency.
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Broaden your global perspective: Gain critical cultural insights that will expand your worldview.
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Stand out to top universities: Mandarin is an impressive addition to your academic profile, especially for Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
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Learn a high-demand language: As one of the most spoken languages globally, Mandarin is essential in business, politics, and cultural exchange.
IB Mandarin is a rigorous, rewarding course that will equip you with essential language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Whether you're aiming for top universities or preparing for a global career, studying Mandarin will provide you with the tools to succeed.
What Will I Study?
Through the IB Mandarin course, you will:
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Develop Communication Skills: Master receptive (listening and reading), productive (writing and speaking), and interactive (conversation) skills.
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Explore Global Themes: Study real-world topics through five key themes:
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Identities
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Experiences
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Human Ingenuity
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Social Organization
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Sharing the Planet
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Understand the Language's Structure: Learn grammar and vocabulary in the context of culture, audience, and purpose to enhance your fluency.
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Produce Authentic Content: Create a wide range of texts for both academic and personal purposes, including essays, presentations, and discussions.
How Will I Study?
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Engaging Resources: You'll work with a variety of authentic texts, including articles, videos, and literature, that reflect real-world language use.
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Interactive Environment: Participate in discussions and authentic conversations to enhance your speaking and listening abilities.
How Will My Work Be Assessed?
Your progress will be assessed through both internal and external evaluations:
Internal Assessment (February of Year 13):
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Individual Oral Assessment: A presentation on a visual stimulus linked to one of the prescribed themes, followed by a conversation with your teacher on additional themes.
External Assessment (May of Year 13):
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Paper 1 (Written): Demonstrate your productive writing skills through a written task.
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Paper 2 (Receptive):
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Listening: Understand and respond to three audio passages.
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Reading: Comprehend and interpret three written passages.
Assessment
Exam Board: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Specification: Language B (Standard Level Diploma)
Our Mandarin pathway can be taken as a fourth option, studied alongside three full A Levels.
