Last updated:
28 August 2007
Look beyond your horizons
Chinese
Chinese at GCSE and A-level is examined in exactly the same way as any other Modern Foreign Language.
Unfortunately it is unlike the main languages covered in schools in that its written form is totally different and its spoken form is entirely tonal.
We provide the opportunity to converse in Chinese, to learn the stroke technique for writing Chinese characters and to explore the culture and traditions of China.
Although the examination boards do not encourage the use of the Pinyin system in written work, it is extremely helpful in understanding the language. We are able to make use of this in our teaching.
Most examination work is in Mandarin (Putonghua), but we can also support Cantonese, the dialect most heavily used in Hong Kong.