GCE ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECT: Chinese [EDEXCEL

GCE ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECT: Chinese [EDEXCEL]

Overview

This course encourages students to develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of Chinese from a variety of registers, to communicate confidently, clearly and imaginatively in Chinese through both the spoken and written word, using increasingly accurate, complex and varied language. Exposure to authentic materials from a variety of media including magazines, literary works, films, television and the internet forms an integral element of the course.

Students will gain critical insights into contemporary China and into the cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where Chinese is spoken and will develop positive attitudes to foreign language learning. Topic areas for A-Level Chinese include aspects of Chinese society such as the importance of family, the world of work, media, music, traditions, tourism, technology, economy, environment protection, history and politics. The course also provides a suitable foundation for further study and/or practical use of Chinese as well as being a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students who do not progress to further study in the subject.

Course Description

Advanced Level Specification Code: 9CN01

Unit Code

1 9CN0/01

2 9CN0/02

3 9CN0/03 Unit Content Assessment

Listening, Reading and Translation

Students will be assessed on their understanding of spoken and written Chinese from a variety of types of authentic texts and listening material, as well as their ability to translate from Chinese into English. • Listening & Written examination (2 hrs) • Marks: 80 • Weighting: 40% A level

Written response to works and translation

Students will be assessed on how they can develop a detailed understanding and appreciation of the literary text and film studied, by writing a critical response related to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, key concepts and issues and the social context. They will also be assessed on their ability to translate from English to Chinese. • Written examination (2 hrs 40 mins) • Marks: 120 • Weighting: 30% A Level

Speaking

Students will be assessed on their ability to use a range of language accurately, communicate and interact effectively, summarise and analyse findings from written sources relating to their research subject, and show knowledge and understanding about the society and culture of the Chinese-speaking world. • Speaking assessment (16-18mins) • Marks: 72 • Weighting: 30% A Level

Career Path:

Course combinations - Any

In today’s booming economy in Asia, particularly in China, the art of communication is a distinct and saleable asset, whichever career path you choose. Beyond the obvious careers requiring a foreign language as a primary skill such as interpreting and translating, there are many fields where understanding a foreign language is a highly desirable auxiliary skill. These include travel and tourism, publishing, the media and journalism, government services, banking, intelligence and law enforcement, fashion, import/export, law, the performing arts, medicine and research, international marketing and real estate.