Mandarin Chinese- IGCSE (Syllabus code 0547 )

Key Subject Aims

to develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication within the country of residence, where appropriate, and in all countries where the language is spoken to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of countries where the language is spoken to develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and language learning to encourage positive attitudes toward language learning and towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation to complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application.

Course content

 Everyday activities

 Personal and social life

 The world around us

 The world of work

 The international world

Assessment

Paper 1 Listening (approximately 40 minutes) 25%

Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer questions testing comprehension.

Paper 2 Reading (1 hour 15 minutes) 25%

Candidates read a number of texts and answer questions testing comprehension.

Paper 3 Speaking (approximately 10 minutes) 25%

Candidates complete one role play and conversations on 2 topics. .

Paper 4 Writing (1 hour 15 minutes) 25%

Candidates respond in the target language to three tasks.

The course is best suited to students who have previous knowledge and experience of the Mandarin language by end of year 9. Also, they should enjoy language learning and have an interest in learning about Chinese cultures.