Academic Handbook 2021-2022 97
Mandarin Program Introduction
All Mandarin courses fulfill the core competencies of the Ministry requirements , with enriched learning taking place at all levels . Students will communicate actively in Mandarin , both orally and in written form in authentic tasks , and learn through the model of Content ( Know ), Curricular Competencies ( Do ), and Big Ideas ( Understand ) while Chinese culture is an integral component of all our courses . Resources include authentic music , films , videos , interactive online materials and digital language laboratory . Cultural activities cover field trips , songs and dances , Chinese calligraphy , crafts such as paper cutting , and the hosting of the senior school ’ s annual Chinese New Year celebration . All courses are student-centred , personalized , and collaborative .
The Mandarin program provides students with an optimized learning environment according to their ability and experience with the language . These levels are defined as follows :
• Mandarin 9 : a stand-alone exposure course to the Mandarin language and Chinese culture .
• Mandarin 10 , 11 , 12 program : a dynamic program for students with limited or no previous experience with the language .
• Mandarin 11 ( 10 A ) - 12 ( 11 A ) - AP program : an intensive program for students with an advanced Mandarin background or a strong Mandarin linguistic proficiency . These students move through the curriculum at a fast pace and will normally complete the Grade 12 program in their Grade 11 year .
Decisions about a change in placement is considered in exceptional circumstances early in the school year with the permission of the Department Head and teacher recommendations .
Mandarin 9
Prerequisite Course Credit Course Duration Delivery Method
None N / A 1 semester Classroom-based
Mandarin 9 is designed for students who show an interest in exploring Chinese language and culture . Students learn the fundamental skills of the target language through interactive activities : role play , skits , projects , games , videos , songs , and music . Efforts will be made to group students and to differentiate learning to accommodate those who wish to follow the regular path and those who have the interest / ability to follow the accelerated path . Beginners will have a comprehensive exposure to Mandarin and Chinese culture in preparation for future Mandarin courses while those who are interested in following the accelerated path will be better prepared and assessed for accelerated learning leading towards AP Chinese Language and Culture . Assessment includes interpretive , interpersonal , and presentational modes of communication .
Mandarin 10
Prerequisite
Course Credit Course Duration Delivery Method
Assessment by the department 4 credits Full year Classroom-based
Mandarin 10 is an introductory course designed to help students become familiar with basic vocabulary and expressions in everyday situations . The course emphasizes pronunciation using the pinyin system , communicative interaction , listening comprehension , writing of key Chinese characters with correct stroke orders , and basic grammatical structures . Students are also encouraged to explore their family backgrounds and cultural identities / comparisons to support the learning of a new culture . Assessment includes interpretive , interpersonal , and presentational modes of communication .