Herts Mandarin School FAQs
What is the teaching goal of Herts Mandarin School?
Herts Mandarin School is committed to providing an effective and engaging Chinese learning environment for overseas Chinese and British children. By fostering interest in learning, emphasizing cultural awareness, and supporting academic achievement, the school serves as a bridge connecting Eastern and Western cultures.
What are the school’s vision and mission?
• Vision: To create a positive learning environment for children in the local Chinese community, fostering language skills and cultural understanding through small-class teaching.
• Mission: To inspire a love for learning, cultivate good reading habits and a sense of belonging, and support students in their Chinese learning journey while preparing them for YCT and GCSE Chinese exams.
What is the school’s teaching philosophy?
Herts Mandarin School adopts British classroom teaching methods, integrating fun and education to create a relaxed learning atmosphere. The school designs its curriculum emphasizes improving reading skills, enhancing cultural understanding, and systematically preparing students for YCT and GCSE Chinese exams.
What courses and teaching materials does the school offer?
• Materials and Resources:
The school develops its own themed picture books, uses the “Four Five Quick Reading” system, provides over 500 leveled readers, and incorporates authoritative GCSE Chinese textbooks.
• Course Categories:
1. Chinese Class: Designed for children with a Chinese background, focusing on cultivating interest, introducing traditional culture, and gradually advancing to literacy, reading, and GCSE exam preparation.
2. Chinese Club: Tailored for children with no Chinese background, with a different pace from Chinese classes. Content is arranged based on school and grade levels.
How are the Chinese courses structured?
The Chinese curriculum progresses through four stages:
1. Level 1 - Preparatory Class (1 year): Introduces 30 classic nursery rhymes and 30 themed picture books, fostering an interest in learning and developing reading habits.
2. Level 2 - Independent Reading Class (3 years): Using the “Four Five Quick Reading” system and leveled readers, students progress from basic literacy to independent reading, achieving the equivalent of a primary school Year 1 reading level.
3. Level 3 - Intensive Reading and Writing Class (2 years): Focuses on extensive reading of leveled readers and systematic writing practice to enhance Chinese language skills and prepare for advanced GCSE courses.
4. Level 4 - GCSE Class: Offers specialized training to help students systematically review and achieve excellent results in GCSE Chinese exams.
Does the school support exams and community activities?
• Exam Support:
• YCT Exam: Annual summer holiday training sessions and registration for the exam.
• GCSE Chinese Exam: Tailored preparation courses to help students review and achieve outstanding results.
• Community Activities: The school regularly organizes events such as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and forest activities to enrich students’ experience within the Chinese community.
• Library Resources: Provides over 500 leveled Chinese books to help students expand their reading abilities.
What are the characteristics of the teaching team?
The teaching team at Herts Mandarin School consists of experienced educators who also teach in UK schools. They are passionate about helping overseas children learn Chinese and adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of each student.
What challenges do students face in learning Chinese?
1. Time Commitment: Learning Chinese requires consistent effort over time, and parental support after class is crucial.
2. Home-School Collaboration: With limited classroom time, students need to consolidate their learning and expand their vocabulary through reading and practice at home for better outcomes.
