Cambridge IGCSE Modern Languages: Chinese Foreign Language

Cambridge IGCSE Chinese – Foreign 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 syllabus is designed for learners who are learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. Students who speak Chinese at home on a daily basis should enrol in Cambridge IGCSE Chinese – Second Language. If in doubt, speak to the Head of Department for further clarification regarding eligibility for Cambridge IGCSE Chinese – Foreign Language.

Enable students to:

• develop the language proficiency required to communicate effectively in Mandarin Chinese at level A2 (CEFR)
• offer insights into the culture and society of countries and communities where Chinese is spoken
• develop awareness of the nature of language and language learning
• encourage positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages and an empathetic approach to other cultures
• provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
• develop transferable skills (e.g. memorising, drawing of inferences) to complement other areas of the curriculum
• form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for progression to work or further study, either in Chinese or another subject area.

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.

• Everyday activities
• Personal and social life
• The world around us
• The world of work
• The international world

Paper 1: Listening

Paper 2: Reading

Paper 3: Speaking

Paper 4: Writing

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, 2 and 4 are completed in Year 10, during October/November.  Course results and certificates of achievement will be released the following January/February.