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Original poster

Private schools that teach mandarin?

40 replies

KobaniDaughters · 05/11/2021 06:20

Does anyone know if there’s an easy to access list of private schools (in the south of england specifically) that teach mandarin U.K. to (and beyond) GCSE? Google hasn’t been helpful and I have a full list of the state schools that do

OP posts:
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mumofthree22 · 08/11/2021 23:35

Magdalen College School Oxford teaches both Mandarin at GCSE and A-Level.

Lovetobrowse · 08/11/2021 22:35

Just wondered if you’ve considered the international school in Egham? No personal experience of it but popular with expats

Dobbyismyabsolutefav · 08/11/2021 11:48

Have a look at Sevenoaks School.

DonGray · 08/11/2021 09:47

Whitgift offers it

Original poster
KobaniDaughters · 07/11/2021 23:29

Thanks for grammar responses. Unfortunately I think grammars are out for us having come through the American public school system and talking to other expats whose children have struggled because frankly the US is behind the U.K. academically once you get to secondary school

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chocolatorange · 07/11/2021 23:04

@KobaniDaughters

Thanks *@chocolatorange* should specify I have a son!
Oops sorry! I think Radley used to do it - not sure now!
BuggertheTabloids · 07/11/2021 20:28

Boys grammar in Stratford upon Avon does Mandarin as their first language from year 7, they all have to do it but can give it up later if they want to.
Not private though but state selective and very difficult to get into

321zyx · 07/11/2021 19:58

Wellington College

uk2020 · 07/11/2021 19:55

Mandarin is compulsory at Oxford High Prep School and optional at Oxford High School

EyeBallisticSquid · 07/11/2021 18:52

Pate's Grammar in Cheltenham. (State)

Original poster
KobaniDaughters · 06/11/2021 23:33

@ChequerBoard yeah good point! I guess I found that list pretty good as a starting point but there’s nothing like it for private schools

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ChequerBoard · 06/11/2021 22:18

[quote KobaniDaughters]@ChequerBoard yes thanks - it’s really easy finding the state school options!

Thanks @SkunkButRug and @BellyMelly[/quote]
Is it though? That list of MEP state schools doesn't include the one I linked for example which is an IB school.

Spycatcher67 · 06/11/2021 21:32

I second Brighton College.

GCSE is pretty low level (a lower level than other MFLs because more time is needed to learn the writing). Cambridge Pre U is pretty good but is being discontinued. A level is very difficult for non natives to achieve a high score in. Saying that, if you just follow the school A level curriculum you won’t be very proficient upon completion.

To be any any good upon completion of you A level you need to have been supplementing your studies. There are many ways of doing this: Skritter app for learning characters, On-line one to one tuition, with a native speaker in China, for less than £10 an hour, etc.

Original poster
KobaniDaughters · 05/11/2021 22:21

Thanks @chocolatorange should specify I have a son!

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chocolatorange · 05/11/2021 21:23

Oxford High School for girls teaches it v seriously and loads take it for GCSE - they all get top grades

Original poster
KobaniDaughters · 05/11/2021 19:31

@ChequerBoard yes thanks - it’s really easy finding the state school options!

Thanks @SkunkButRug and @BellyMelly

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BellyMelly · 05/11/2021 18:39

Not. Private but grammar. Dartford grammar teaches it's mandatory.

crummyusername · 05/11/2021 18:39

My son does Mandarin at Alexandra Park School (state). V good provision and not just based on a single teacher.

SkunkButRug · 05/11/2021 18:36

Ryde with Upper Chine
And you can choose it instead of the more traditional MFL
Smile

thisisnotmyllama · 05/11/2021 18:35

Oh yeah, I didn’t think of IB but that’s definitely an option, if you can find an IB school. And in five years’ time the situation may have improved at uni, although with the way uni language depts have been decimated, I wouldn’t hold my breath. He could study in China though maybe, if he fancied it? We’re keeping this at the back of our minds as a possibility!

ChequerBoard · 05/11/2021 17:56

Some state schools teach Mandarin too. My DD did Mandarin to GCSE and could have continued with it as part the IB (higher or lower level) if she had wanted to. Friends that did have gone on to continue their studies at Uni level.

https://www.hockerill.com/103/curriculum

Ozanj · 05/11/2021 17:51

GCSE / A Level Mandarin is rubbish & doesn’t even come close to making you proficient. If proficiency is the goal you want schools that offer it to up to a HSK standard (could be hsk or taiwanese hsk) - locally three schools do it as an option and all of them are State Schools.

Original poster
KobaniDaughters · 05/11/2021 17:46

Lol same link as you’ve mentioned I think sorry!

That’s a bit rubbish re university. He’s only 13 and a good all rounder at the moment but is quiet serious about mandarin and the potential for taking it further

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Original poster
KobaniDaughters · 05/11/2021 17:45

@thisisnotmyllama that’s not been my experience from the state schools though, Bohunt Academy schools in particular are very keen to keep it established and offer it in place of a European language. We’re also considering Hove Park for the same reason but want to see what other areas might be an option if a local private school offers it where there isn’t a state option

This is a great link for the state schools offering it if it helps but yeah let’s keep in touch as looks like we’re hunting for the same things!

ci.ioe.ac.uk/mandarin-excellence-programme/mep-schools/

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octobername · 05/11/2021 15:49

Sevenoaks has Mandarin from Year 8 right through to IB.