Chinese

Subject Overview

A Level Chinese
Examination Board: Edexcel

Pearson Edexcel A Level Chinese (spoken Mandarin/spoken Cantonese) has been developed to inspire all students who have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the Chinese-speaking world.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• enhance their linguistic skills and promote and develop their capacity for critical thinking on the basis of their knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of the country or countries where the language is spoken
• develop control of the language system to convey meaning, using spoken and written skills, including an extended range of vocabulary, for both practical and intellectual purposes as increasingly confident, accurate and independent users of the language
• develop their ability to interact effectively with users of the language in speech and in writing, including through online media
• develop language learning skills and strategies, including communication strategies to sustain communication and build fluency and confidence
• engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and other materials in the original language, developing an appreciation of sophisticated and creative uses of the language and understanding them within their cultural and social context
• develop knowledge about matters central to the society and culture, past and present, of the country or countries where the language is spoken
• mediate between cultures and between speakers of the language and speakers of English
• foster their ability to learn other languages
• equip themselves with transferable skills such as autonomy, resourcefulness, creativity, critical thinking, and linguistic, cultural and cognitive flexibility that will enable them to proceed to further study or employment
• develop their capacity for critical and analytical thinking through the language
• develop as independent researchers through the language of study.