A Level | Chinese – Leighton Park
Exam Board
Edexcel
Will the course suit me?
This course is only available to students whose first language is Mandarin. You should also have an interest in Chinese cultures, while fostering an international, broad-minded outlook on the world. You should also enjoy reading and have a clear desire to express your thoughts in conversation and debate as well as be willing to engage with independent research.
Course Description
Theme 1: Changes in contemporary Chinese society
Theme 2: Chinese culture
Theme 3: Evolving Chinese Society
Theme 4: The impact of the reform and opening up in 1978 on China
Benefits of the Course
It will allow you to gain a better insight in the language and culture. The course themes will also provide opportunities to make valuable connections to other disciplinary areas. You will develop your ability to analyse and to think critically. Any Modern Foreign Languages course combines well with History, Ancient History, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Politics, English and Theatre Studies.
Outside the Classroom
- Creative Writing
- Independent research project
- Educational day trips
- Educational trip to China
Future Opportunities
In addition to those who continue to study Chinese at university, many students combine their language proficiency with a further skill to use Chinese to complement their studies of business, law, technology etc. In a competitive international marketplace, firms both large and small are actively seeking young, well-rounded professionals with good language skills and an international outlook.
| Component | Time | Overview | Weighting |
| Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation | 2 hours | Section A: Listening (30 marks) A listening assessment based on a recording, featuring male and female Chinese speakers. Students will respond to comprehension questions based on a variety of contexts and sources. Section B: Reading (30 marks) A reading assessment based on a variety of text types and genres where students will respond to comprehension questions. Section C: Translation into English (20 marks) An unseen passage to be translated from Chinese to English. | 40% |
| Paper 2: Written response to works and translation | 2 hours 40 minutes | Section A: Translation (20 marks) Students translate an unseen passage from English into Chinese. Section B: Written response to works (literary texts) (50 marks) Students must write an extended response on either one or two of the literary texts from the prescribed literary texts and films. Section C: Written response to works (films) (50 marks) Students who answer only one question on a literary text in Section B must write an extended response on one of the films listed in the prescribed literary texts and films. | 30% |
| Paper 3: Speaking | 21-23 minutes | Task 1 (discussion on a Theme) Students discuss one Theme from the specification based on a stimulus containing a short statement. Task 2, Part 1 (independent research presentation) Students present a summary of at least two of the written sources they have used for their research and give a personal response to what they have read. Task 2, Part 2 (discussion on independent research) Students answer questions on their presentation and then have a wider discussion on their research. | 30% |
If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Anna Murgett
To apply for our Sixth Form, please see our Admissions page.