At LEH International School Foshan, we recognise that mastering a new language is crucial for broadening horizons and enhancing communication skills; both are key attributes for cultivating future global citizens. Acknowledging both the depth and richness of Chinese culture, and the growing global prominence of the language, our school places a significant emphasis on the Chinese Curriculum. This focus is aimed at deepening our students’ understanding of diverse cultures and strengthening their capability to communicate effectively across cultural divides.
In this article, we invite Ms Wenjing Qiu, Head of Modern Languages and Ms Tina Zhou, Head of Prep Mandarin to share how we help students master is ancient yet dynamic language.
Ms Qiu is our Head of Modern Foreign Languages. With over 15 years of teaching Chinese in international schools in Malaysia and Beijing, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role and has successfully taught Chinese to students ranging from Year 1 to A Level. Her leadership experience includes managing the department, overseeing curriculum matters, guiding teachers' professional development, setting strategic direction, conducting annual curriculum reviews, and nurturing internal and external relationships. Prior to joining LEH Foshan, she held the position of Head of the Mandarin Department at a renowned British school in Beijing. Ms Qiu's educational background includes a BA in English Literature from Geo-Science University of China and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from The University of Nottingham.
Ms Zhou is our Head of Prep Mandarin. With an MA degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Sun Yat-sen University, she is an experienced Chinese teacher with 10 years of teaching in universities and international schools, home and abroad. Ms Zhou has taught Chinese Language and Literature to primary students within the international curriculum and taught Chinese as a second language to students from introductory to advanced proficiencies. From her experiences, she has further developed professional skills to design teaching plans based on the syllabus and to conduct engaging classroom instructions customised to learners' age, language fluency and cultural background.
At LEH Foshan, our Chinese department advocates a holistic approach to Chinese language education, focusing on enhancing students' proficiency through cognitive development and creative self-expression. Our classrooms are dynamic spaces where students are encouraged to actively explore texts, interpret them in a personalised manner, and collaborate in groups. This approach not only fosters effective communication but also fuels creative thinking. As a result, our students learn to articulate their thoughts and ideas more creatively, leading to improved writing skills and a deeper mastery of the language.
In our Prep School, Chinese stand as a pillar of our curriculum, with students dedicating five hours each week to its learning. We emphasise a balanced development of essential language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with nurturing a deep understanding of Chinese literacy. Our curriculum aligns with China’s national Mandarin standards, ensuring our students build a strong foundation in the language. We adopt an internationalised teaching approach, fostering inquiry-based learning and cultivating vibrant, student-centred classroom environments that make learning both effective and enjoyable.
To accommodate the varying levels of language proficiency among our students, we offer a diverse array of Cambridge IGCSE and A Level Chinese courses - Chinese as a first language, as a second language, and as a foreign language.
For First Language Speakers:
Our Key Stage 3 Chinese language programme builds upon the foundations laid in our Prep School and we continue with the Chinese national textbooks, ensuring a smooth transition and further strengthening our students' language skills. As students progress to Key Stages 4 & 5, we transition to a curriculum aligned with the Cambridge International Examination Board. This stage involves a careful selection of Cambridge-recommended textbooks that guide our approach to teaching Chinese.
For Second Language Speakers:
Second language speakers follow the Cambridge Mandarin Second Language IGCSE curriculum. It 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 career. Through their study, learners can achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study.
For Foreign Language Speakers:
Foreign language speakers follow the Cambridge Mandarin Foreign Language IGCSE curriculum. It is designed for learners who are learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. It also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where Mandarin Chinese is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes toward language learning and towards speakers of other languages.
Extra-Curricular Activities
At LEH Foshan, our approach to Chinese cultural education extends far beyond the traditional classroom setting. A vibrant array of cultural activities enhance cultural literacy and encourage cross-cultural understanding and thinking.
Within our Prep School, we enrich students' learning with a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences, from reading and writing programmes, celebrating traditional Chinese festivals to engaging in cultural showcases, book clubs, creative Chinese Characters and creative writing. These pursuits are thoughtfully curated to kindle a love for the Chinese language and heritage, seamlessly integrating cultural appreciation with academic growth.
Secondary School continues to immerse students in the depths of Chinese culture with a range of engaging activities. These activities are carefully designed to extend students' cultural and linguistic journey, building on their Prep School experiences and guiding them towards a profound connection with Chinese culture.
In our Chinese Debating ECA, students sharpen their Mandarin communication and critical thinking skills, diving into lively discussions that deepen their understanding of Chinese perspectives and argumentation techniques.
The Chinese Dance ECA offers a graceful exploration of traditional movements, enhancing students' coordination and cultural appreciation through the artistry of dance.
Creative expression finds its place in our Chinese Creative Writing ECA, where students venture into the realms of poetry, short stories, and essays, enriching their language skills and literary appreciation.
Celebrating festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year becomes a hands-on cultural journey at LEH Foshan. From poetry competitions and lantern crafting to traditional paper cuttings and Chinese painting, these festivities bring the community together, fostering a deep appreciation for heritage and the joy of shared experiences.
Make Chinese Learning Enjoyable
Engaging Lessons:
At LEH Foshan, our Chinese curriculum is designed to make learning Mandarin both enjoyable and immersive. Through innovative teaching methods, students engage in creative activities like performing short plays, creating artworks, and participating in interactive games such as Quizlet and Charades.
Encourage Reading:
Our approach extends to encouraging a love for reading, with a carefully curated library of age-appropriate, award-winning Chinese books.
Home Learning:
To reinforce learning at home, students enjoy leisure reading and practice calligraphy, with parents encouraged to participate in their learning journey.
In essence, our Chinese programme strives to deeply immerse our students in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. It prepares them to embrace the beauty of the Chinese language and engage with the world confidently, contributing to international dialogues and bridging cultures and languages
