Chinese Learning in International Schools

I believe that most of the parents choosing RCHK rather than ESF schools feel the importance of Chinese learning in the international school. I have read thro' the curriculums in KGV and RCHK and found that the Chinese programme in RCHK is quite well-structured so more appealing -


CHINESE AT RCHK
http://www.renaissance.edu.hk/content.php?contentid=29
Renaissance College offers high quality of education of Chinese (Putonghua). The Chinese curriculum is structured in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. In Renaissance College, students have opportunity to learn simplified and full form Chinese characters. All students are expected to read both forms.

Language study is a cultural and social experience. In Renaissance College, there will be a rich variety of activities for students learning Chinese: the Mainland China tour, student exchange with schools in Mainland China, field trips, taking part in local community services, and participating in Chinese speaking or reading competitions.

Primary Years Chinese Programme - In the primary school, the Chinese programme aims to establish young students' concepts of Chinese language and knowledge of how it works, and its connection to other languages. It also promotes a positive attitude towards and an appreciation of different languages and culture. In Chinese classrooms, students are to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. In addition, teachers encourage students to become proactive thinkers and decision makers, willing and ready to solve problems. They foster students' confidence in receiving information and expressing ideas in Chinese, and encourage them to take learning risks, such as using Chinese in unfamiliar situations, and being independent in exploring new knowledge and skills. Teachers nurture students' natural curiosity of Chinese language and culture. In Chinese classes, students will conduct research as appropriate to their age using Chinese. Students are encouraged to enjoy learning Chinese, and their love of learning the language will be sustained throughout their lives.

Middle Years Chinese Programme - When students progress to the middle school, they will learn Chinese at A or B level.

Chinese A Level is designed for students with Chinese as their best language. At this level, students will be expected to use Chinese not only as a tool of communication, but also the path by which they gain access to literature and thereby to the cultural treasures of civilization. Chinese A Level course includes the study of the functional language skills, such as listening, viewing, speaking, reading and writing. It also includes the study of both classic and modern Chinese literature and a variety of genres, such as poetry, prose and fiction.

Chinese B Level aims to enable non-Chinese background students to gain competence in the language. The long-term goal is to establish balanced bilingualism or multilingualism. At this level, students are encouraged to understand and appreciate Chinese language and culture. It provides a skill base to facilitate their further Chinese learning. Proficiency in Chinese gives B Level students access to a broader range of input, experiences and perspectives of Chinese language and culture, and the enjoyment of being able to communicate in Chinese.

Diploma Chinese Programme - At the Diploma level, students will continue their study of Chinese in the similar fashion.

Chinese A1 course is available for students whose first language is Chinese. In studying Chinese A1, students are able to develop their personal appreciation of literature, skills in literary criticism, strong written and oral skills, respect for Chinese literary heritage, and an international perspective through the study of world literature. The course includes the study of selections of both Chinese and world literary works. The range of texts studied in Chinese A1 course is broad, and students grow to appreciate the language's complexity, wealth and subtleties in a variety of contexts. A specific aim is to create a lifelong interest in literature and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.

Chinese A2, Mandarin B and Mandarin ab initio aim to promote an understanding of another culture through the study of Chinese as a second language. The main emphasis of the courses is on language acquisition and use in a range of contexts and for different purposes. Students who have a high level of competence in both Chinese and English will have choice of doing Chinese A2, a unique course to promote bilingualism. The A2 course includes the study of both language and literature. Mandarin B course is intended for students who have had some previous experience of learning the language, i.e. student who have successfully completed the Chinese B Level course. Mandarin ab initio course is for students who have no previous experience of learning Chinese.


Chinese Programme in KGV -
http://www.kgv.net/mandarin/revision.htm

For example, in Year 7