Marlborough Sixth Form Chinese Studies (MSFCS

MSFCS is a new, innovative Chinese course that can be taken alongside other A level choices. It has been designed by our Head of Mandarin Chinese, Qingwei Li, to provide non-native speakers with a progression pathway to the internationally recognised HSK level 3 and 4 qualification. The course also includes an Extended Project (Edexcel ZPJ3). MSFCS is designed to further develop our pupils’ ability to understand and communicate confidently and clearly using Mandarin. In addition, it offers an insight into the culture and civilisations where Chinese is spoken, through Society Talks, exchange visits to China and other academic enrichment opportunities.

What We Study in MSFCS

The MSFCS is structured in two components: China-themed Extended Project and HSK level 3 and 4.

The Extended Project is 100% internally marked coursework with no external exam and is equivalent to half an A level in UCAS points and is graded up to A*. The project title must be related to an aspect of the Chinese language, art, history, sciences, politics etc. Planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and presentation skills are assessed. The project is run on a tutorial basis with an allocation of 5 periods a fortnight. It is completed by the end of the Lent Term and a summary is presented by the pupil, in an assessed 10-minute talk to a small audience.

The final written project can be submitted as either a 6,000 word dissertation based on secondary sources or a 3,000 word project based on a design brief and iterative portfolio which might be in any form, for example poetry, music score, film etc.

The HSK is an official examination designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of nonnative Chinese speakers. It is internationally recognised and the results can be used to demonstrate Chinese ability to an employer and to apply for Confucius Institute Scholarships. The HSK course is practical, dealing with situations likely to arise in daily life and develops competence in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Pupils who achieve at least 180/300 points on HSK level 3 are eligible for a fully funded scholarship to study for one semester, and those with 210/300 points on HSK level 3 can extend this for a full academic year. With a score of at least 210 on HSK 4, pupils are eligible for the Bachelor’s Study Scholarship. Pupils start in the Lower Sixth with the HSK level 3 and can progress to HSK level 4 in the Upper Sixth. It is taught in 5 periods a fortnight. Pupils also receive a 30 minute weekly oral session throughout the course. HSK Level 3 Exam: 85 minutes (listening, reading and writing) HSK Level 4 Exam: 100 minutes (listening, reading and writing) Oral exams are administered separately and last 10-15 minutes. Pupils will take either Intermediate or Advanced, depending on their level.