Mandarin
At Belgrave Primary School, we believe that learning a modern foreign language broadens children's horizons and develops their understanding of the wider world. Mandarin is an exciting part of our curriculum, giving pupils the opportunity to learn one of the most widely spoken languages in the world while developing an appreciation of Chinese culture and traditions.
Our Mandarin curriculum is carefully designed to build confidence, curiosity, and communication skills. Through engaging and interactive lessons, pupils develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, whilst gaining valuable cultural knowledge.
What Pupils Learn
Throughout their Mandarin learning journey, pupils explore:
Greetings and everyday conversational phrases.
Numbers, colours, animals, food, family, and school vocabulary.
Speaking and listening activities to develop pronunciation and confidence.
Reading and recognising Chinese characters.
Writing simple words and characters.
Chinese customs, traditions, festivals, and celebrations.
Cultural similarities and differences between China and the UK.
Lessons are delivered through songs, games, storytelling, role-play, digital technology, and collaborative activities, making language learning engaging and accessible for all children.
Enrichment Opportunities
To bring language learning to life, pupils take part in a range of enrichment experiences, including:
Chinese New Year celebrations.
Cultural workshops and themed learning days.
Mandarin language games and challenges.
Performances, songs, and speaking opportunities.
Cross-curricular links with art, geography, music, and history.
Exploring Chinese traditions, food, landmarks, and customs.
These experiences help children understand and appreciate different cultures while developing their confidence as global citizens.
Pupil Voice
"I enjoy learning Mandarin because it's fun learning new words and phrases."
"My favourite part is learning Chinese characters."
"I like finding out about Chinese traditions and celebrations."
"Mandarin helps me learn about another country and culture."
"It makes me feel proud when I can remember and say new words."
Impact
Through learning Mandarin, pupils at Belgrave Primary School:
Develop confidence when communicating in another language.
Improve memory, listening, and problem-solving skills.
Gain an appreciation of different cultures and communities.
Increase their curiosity about the wider world.
Develop resilience and perseverance as language learners.
As one pupil explained:
"Learning Mandarin helps us learn about the world and gives us the confidence to try something new."
At Belgrave Primary School, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of languages and equip our pupils with the cultural awareness, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world
