Mandarin Chinese offers students unparalleled opportunities in business, education, and cultural exchange. With free resources like the UCL IOE's MARS platform to support Mandarin teaching and learning, schools can empower students to stand out academically and gain skills for the future.
1. Unlock business opportunities
Mandarin Chinese is spoken by over a billion people, making it the most widely spoken language globally. As China continues to be a key player in international trade, understanding Mandarin gives students a competitive edge in the global job market. Careers in fields like business, technology, and diplomacy increasingly value bilingual or multilingual individuals. By introducing Mandarin, your school helps students develop a practical skillset that employers seek. As trade between the UK and China continues to grow, Mandarin has become an increasingly valuable skill.
2. Help students and your school stand out
Students who learn Mandarin gain a unique skill that helps them stand out in university and job applications. Mandarin proficiency demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and the ability to master a challenging language – qualities highly valued in competitive fields. By offering Mandarin, your school positions itself as a leader in preparing students to be global citizens. This not only enhances your students’ futures but also boosts your school’s reputation, setting it apart as a forward-thinking institution committed to global education.
3. Support to get started
Supporting Mandarin teaching has never been easier. The UCL IOE’s free Mandarin Resources for Schools (MARS) platform provides an extensive repository of high-quality materials designed for educators, including lesson plans, activities, and assessments. These resources cater to teachers delivering the Mandarin Excellence Programme or general Chinese language instruction. Additionally, the British Council offers teaching materials, such as Chinese New Year resources, to enrich classroom learning and celebrate cultural traditions. These classroom resources ensure your school can deliver engaging, effective Mandarin lessons with a range of activities.
4. Explore study opportunities in China
Learning Mandarin can unlock life-changing opportunities for students to study in China. With a wide range of government-sponsored exchange programmes, scholarships, and partnerships between UK and Chinese institutions, students can immerse themselves in the culture an develop their language skills while gaining valuable academic and personal experience. These experiences provide students with a global perspective, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and language fluency that will serve them throughout their careers. By introducing Mandarin, your school can enable students to access these exciting international study opportunities.
5. Boost students’ cross-cultural understanding
Learning Mandarin allows students to immerse themselves in one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating cultures. Chinese civilization spans over 5,000 years, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, from Confucian philosophy and classical literature to art forms like calligraphy and Chinese opera. Students can explore celebrations such as the Lunar New Year, understanding their cultural significance. Additionally, learning Mandarin provides access to contemporary Chinese culture, including music, film, and cuisine. Learning Mandarin can be a gateway to developing cultural understanding and a gaining global perspective.
For more information, visit www.ci.ioe.ac.uk/mars-homepage