MANDARIN PROGRAM
The Mandarin program at The Giles School introduces students from JK to Grade 8 to Mandarin language and culture, progressing from simple greetings to advanced conversation, reading, and writing, with engaging, interactive lessons.
Oliver shared his thoughts about his experience at The Giles School in fluent Mandarin, showcasing his impressive language skills. We are proud to say that he is thoroughly enjoying his time with us!
JK AND SK
Students in JK and SK will engage with Mandarin, providing early exposure to a third language. The emphasis is on exploring Chinese culture and learning simple greetings and requests. In each Mandarin class, students will also be introduced to the phonetic system to build basic vocabulary through reading stories, singing, dancing, and other hands-on activities.
GRADES 1-2
As beginners in Mandarin, our Grade 1 students are introduced to the Pin-Yin system orally and in writing during their early lessons. Students will also learn basic vocabulary and how to write simple characters. In addition to learning the phonetic system, children will become familiar with self-introductions, greetings, family, ages, senses, numbers, directions, and animals. Foundational Mandarin at this age provides students with a springboard for further study, adding another string to their multilingual bow at The Giles School.
In Grade 2, young language learners are taught to use the phonetic alphabet to read Chinese characters fluently and are equipped with basic vocabulary, phrases, and sentences. Building on previously gained knowledge, students learn how to tell time, master introductory conversations, and explore topics such as family, positions, nature, hobbies, and animals. Sessions are fun and interactive, incorporating songs, poems, origami, Chinese television programs, and games into everyday learning.
Grades 3-4
Grade 3 students develop their oral communication, writing, and reading skills across various themes. Study topics include sports, hobbies, community, food and drink, shopping, and the home environment. Learners will grasp sentence formation, particularly directional questions, enhancing their self-expression and ability to find information in Mandarin. They will also become proficient in translating between English and Mandarin.
Building on previously gained knowledge, students learn how to tell time, master introductory conversations, and explore topics such as family, positions, nature, hobbies, and animals. Sessions are fun and interactive, incorporating songs, poems, origami, Chinese television programs, and games into everyday learning.
As part of our third-language program, the Mandarin course allows students to learn the delightful Chinese language and culture. Grade 4 students continue building on the language knowledge acquired in previous years, conducting and understanding daily conversations in Mandarin. Topics such as family, food, nationalities, and shopping are explored further to develop oral communication, reading, and writing skills. Students also gain vocabulary through in-class conversations and study Chinese short poems and literature.
Grades 5-8
In Grades 5 and 6, students engage in advanced Chinese study appropriate for their level. They listen to and respond to short, structured texts in Mandarin and express ideas and opinions in informal conversations. At this stage, students can convey their thoughts and feelings in written form and read and understand short Mandarin texts. Students learn to discuss and express themselves on nature, animals, time, dates, and professions and enjoy exploring authentic native poetry.
Our Mandarin program for Grades 7 and 8 further advances students' oral communication and reading skills while also introducing them to writing short stories. We explore a range of stories with various subjects, promoting discussions, the expression of feelings and opinions, and helping students identify and understand more complex language conventions.
Our students participate annually in the Chinese language proficiency exams, HSK and YCT.