Cambridge IGCSE Modern Languages: Chinese – Second Language

Cambridge IGCSE Chinese – Second Language is a practical subject that prepares students for an increasingly global world. Through developing linguistic and cultural understanding of Chinese-speaking communities, they are equipped with transferrable knowledge and skills that can benefit them in their future careers and daily lives. This subject is designed for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding to progress their education or future career.

Enable students to:

• develop the ability to use Chinese effectively for the purpose of practical communication
• form a sound foundation for the skills required for further study or employment using Chinese as the medium
• develop an awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
• promote learners’ personal development.

This subject content is organized into five broad topic areas (see below). These provide contexts for acquisition of vocabulary and the student of grammar and structures.

• Young people and education
• Society
• The world
• Cultural Diversity

Paper 1: Reading and Writing

Paper 2: Listening

Paper 3: Speaking

Across the two years, students will complete formative assessment designed to prepare them for the formal assessment tasks listed above. Paper 3: Speaking is conducted internally by the teacher and externally moderated. Papers 1 and 2 are completed in Year 10, during May/June.  Course results and certificates of achievement will be released in August/September.  Once the formal course is complete, students will have opportunities to further develop their language skills in areas of personal interest and/or in topics relevant to further studies of Chinese in Stage 6.