How We Enhance Your MFL Programme

Mando School complies with the National Curriculum for Languages

AIMS OF MANDO SCHOOL IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

• Mando School's Programme for Key-Stage 2 teaches Mandarin Chinese through visual presentations, songs, games, activities, reading, writing, speaking and listening.

• Mando School's Programme for Key-Stage 2 aims to develop confidence and communication skills through activities such as role-play and story-telling.

• The programme introduces the reading and writing of characters through activity sheets and games;

• The aim of Mando School is to encourage children to express themselves confidently in a foreign language, challenging and engaging them actively in class and fostering an interest and understanding of the world’s different languages and cultures.

• Mando School's Programme for Key-Stage 2 delivers Mandarin Chinese and offers a strong foundation that enables pupils to further their learning beyond Year 6 by teaching the following: 

1. How to read, write, speak and listen to Mandarin Chinese encouraging memory retention.

Eg. Lesson 1 and 2 covers an introduction and greeting of Mandarin, followed by an interactive game, songs, writing activities and a fun story!

2. Listening, understanding and correct pronunciation of more complex words and sentences through songs;

Eg. Each lesson contains one song in Mandarin (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Mum is the Best in the World, Where is my Friend? etc). Children are encouraged to listen to the words in the song and sing along. Pronunciation is taught and improved through repetition.

3. How to recognise verbal instructions, praise, questions and dialogue on familiar topics;

Eg. Children are taught through repetition and visual slides with particular emphasis on pin yin, Chinese characters and English translations. The class is immersive and children are encouraged to speak in Mandarin.

 4. Engaging in conversation by using familiar vocabulary, asking or answering simple questions;

Eg. Each lesson in the programme contains on story and at least one speaking activity based on that story. In Lesson 3, pupils are required to reenact the story called “Meeting a new friend”. Children will engage in dialogue as teams or individually.

5. Listening and identifying familiar words and meaning through context

Eg. Each lesson plan in the programme contains a story which will be told or played on an audio device to the children. This will broaden the pupils’ vocabulary and will enhance their listening skills.

 6. Appreciation of cultural and historical knowledge, interest in related literature, music, arts;

Eg. Teachers share facts and other information during each session, immersing pupils in the Chinese language and culture. The facts and information along with the fables taught provide a context that will enhance the learning process.

 7. Writing Chinese characters;

Eg. Each lesson plan requires the writing of characters. The teachers will teach character structure, stroke order and reading tips.

8. How to describe people, places, things, actions and express feelings orally and in writing;

Eg. The stories and songs taught in each class plan introduce new words and sentences to pupils who practice speaking and writing through the activities provided. Through practice, pupils will also learn patterns and basic grammar of Mandarin Chinese.

​9. Respect toward other people and cultures while reinforcing positive behaviour.

Eg. Mando School teachers are trained to teacher values such as respect, care, patience and perseverance.