Chinese (A Level)
Learn. Speak. Connect
Head of Chinese: Mrs X Lu
A Level Chinese (Mandarin) is a truly fascinating course covering a large range of topics and areas of interest for students.
Building upon what students have learnt in their Chinese GCSE courses, students will learn more deeply about Chinese film and literature and will cover topics such as; Family, work & study, Chinese traditions & cultural activities.
Students will cover the full range of skills in Chinese including listening, speaking, reading and writing and will begin to explore the topics above in full Chinese characters, getting to know the culture directly from authentic Chinese sources.
CURRICULUM DOCUMENTS (CHINESE)
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What will I be studying on the course?
This course will enable students to:
- enhance their linguistic skills and promote and develop their capacity for critical thinking
- develop their knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of China
- develop their ability to interact effectively with users of the Chinese in speech and in writing, including through online media
- develop language learning skills and strategies, including communication strategies to sustain communication and build fluency and confidence
- engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and other materials in Chinese, developing an appreciation of sophisticated and creative uses of the language and understanding them within their cultural and social context
- develop knowledge about matters central to the society and culture, past and present, of the country or countries where the language is spoken
- mediate between cultures and between speakers of Chinese and speakers of English
- develop their capacity for critical and analytical thinking through the language of study
- develop as independent researchers through the language of study
What will i Be doing in lessons?
Lessons will involve a range of activities including individual and group work, language and cultural exploration, presentations and videos. The content will include some of the following:
Family
Much of Chinese society revolves around the family. Students will learn of the importance of family in China, how this is changing over time and the differences between family life in China and the UK.
Work & Education
China’s systems for work and education have both similarities and differences to the UK. Students will learn of Chinese society’s outlook on education, differences in systems in China, such as the ‘Gaokao system' and the cultural expectations on students throughout their education and work life.
Chinese traditions, festivals and cultural activities
China has a vast, rich history of more than 5000 years. During this long history, a number of myths, legends and stories have evolved into fantastic, exciting traditions and festivals celebrated by more than 1 billion people. Students will learn about a number of these festivals, with particular emphasis on Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn festival. Students will also discover the more modern side of Chinese society and how the younger generation now celebrate these traditions as well as what they do with their time.
How will the course be assessed?
Paper 1 - Listening, Reading and Translation
Section A: Listening (30 marks)
A listening assessment based on recording, featuring male and female Chinese speakers. Students will respond to comprehension questions based on a variety of contexts and sources.
Section B: Reading (30 marks)
A reading assessment based on a variety of text types and genres where students will respond to comprehension questions.
Section C: Translation into English (20 marks)
An unseen passage to be translated from Chinese to English.
Paper 2 - Written response to works and translation
Section A: Translation (20 marks)
Students translate an unseen passage from English into Chinese
Section B: Written response to works (literary texts) (50 marks)
Students must write an extended response on either one or two of the literary texts from the specification
Section C: Written response to works (films) (50 marks)
Students who answer only one question on a literary text in Section B must write an extended response on one of the films listed in Appendix 2: Prescribed literary texts and films
Paper 3 - Speaking
Task 1 (discussion on a Theme)
Students discuss one theme from the specification based on a stimulus containing a short statement.
Task 2, Part 1 (independent research presentation)
Students present a summary of at least two of the written sources they have used for their research and give a personal response to what they have read.
Task 2, Part 2 (discussion on independent research)
Students answer questions on their presentation and then have a wider discussion on their research.
Which other subjects go well with CHINESE?
Subjects that pair well with Chinese typically fall into the humanities, social sciences, or business fields, enhancing global competence and offering diverse career paths.
and After the course?
After studying A Level Chinese, you can pursue further university education or enter various careers, such as roles in international business, translation, interpretation, journalism, or diplomacy. A Level Chinese can open doors to jobs in education, tourism, and the government, and can be combined with other fields like technology and finance to increase career opportunities.
University degrees: A Level Chinese is a strong foundation for a degree in Chinese, linguistics, translation, or international relations.
Other fields: You can also combine Chinese with other subjects like business, law, or technology in a university degree.
Specialized programs: Consider master's degrees in specialized areas like Translation and Interpreting or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Business and Trade: Work in international business, procurement, or as a specialist in trade and global markets. Your language skills are valuable for companies that do business in or with China.
Translation and Interpretation: Work as a translator or interpreter for companies, government agencies, or in the media industry.
Education: Become a Chinese language teacher in a primary or secondary school, or work as a consultant for students looking to study abroad in China.
Journalism and Media: Pursue a career as a journalist, editor, or in public relations for Chinese-language media outlets or for companies that have a presence in China.
Government and Diplomacy: Explore roles in government, diplomacy, or intelligence analysis, where language and cultural skills are highly valued.
Technology and Innovation: Find positions in the tech industry, such as an AI trainer or a content analyst.
Other fields: Skills in Chinese can also be beneficial in fields like tourism, public health, and intellectual property consulting.
Careers and Labour Market Information