Insights | Integrating Chinese culture into the Chinese lessons

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In one of the international schools in Hangzhou, the English curriculum is adapted in a number of ways, most noticeably to include the teaching of Chinese. At Wellington College International Hangzhou, we ensure our pupils perfect all the skills involved in the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. We encourage  pupils to communicate in Chinese during their lessons and also outside in the wider community to ensure  they are taking full advantage of the opportunity to  develop their knowledge of one of the most popular languages in the world. The Chinese syllabus is based on the Chinese Education Curriculum complemented by external topics, resources and activities that enrich the language. With a close view to working towards the IGCSE qualification, we prepare pupils to become familiar with the IGCSE examination outline and criteria from Key Stage 3.

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Chinese lessons are designed to cater for both native and non-native speakers of Chinese. It ensures pupils are excited and interested to learn the language and foster the development of key skills. Through the teaching of Chinese:

• Pupils can present information, concepts and ideas on a variety of topics.
• Pupils critically analyse and interpret the seen and spoken word for implied and hidden meanings.
• Pupils widen and deepen their language awareness by means of literature, news reports and commentaries.
• Pupils apply their knowledge of word origins to determine the meaning of new words encountered in reading materials and use those words accurately.
• Pupils demonstrate knowledge and understanding of significant components of Chinese culture and cultural aspects of the language.

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At Wellington College International Hangzhou, we ensure all native-speaking pupils master solid knowledge and skills in Chinese, have a full recognition and love of Chinese history and culture; while  all  non-native speaking pupils receive individual learning to meet their different language levels and develop their curiosity and interests on learning Chinese and Chinese culture. In the Chinese class, while explaining the vocabulary and text, we supplement the relevant cultural background so that pupils can better understand the text and vocabulary. At the same time, we encourage pupils to show their cultural knowledge. Teaching Chinese culture in regular lessons, participating in themed activities and festival celebrations are the direct ways to immerse our pupils themselves into the Chinese atmosphere.