Pupils get in fast lane for learning Mandarin
PUPILS at a Macclesfield school are part of an intensive programme to learn the world’s most widely spoken language.
The students at Tytherington School are taking part in the Department for Education’s Mandarin Excellence Programme.
Its aim is for 5,000 youngsters to speak fluent Mandarin Chinese by 2020 and 63 other schools across England are also involved.
A recent CBI survey revealed the growing importance of the language for businesses.
While this summer saw Chinese overtake German as the third most widely studied modern foreign language at A Level.
Headteacher Emmanuel Botwe said: “We are delighted to be offering Mandarin at the school. We are always looking at ways to improve our curriculum offer and this provides an excellent opportunity for our youngsters.
“In being the most widely spoken language in the world, it is seen that more young people in the UK need to master Mandarin if the country is to remain competitive in the future.” Pupils will now spend around eight hours a week learning Mandarin to quickly reach a high level of ability.
The programme, launched in 2016, is run by the UCL Institute of Education in partnership with the British Council.
Katharine Carruthers, from the UCL Institute Of Education, said: “Learners have made exceptional progress through the Mandarin Excellence Programme in the last two years.
“This year we are delighted to welcome Tytherington School to the programme to give their young learners the chance to learn Chinese to such an advanced level.”
School Standards Minister Nick Gibb added: “This programme plays an important role in helping pupils to become fluent in Mandarin Chinese, the most spoken language in the world.
“I have seen for myself the inspiring enthusiasm and energy that both pupils and teachers are committing.
“I would like to congratulate the schools that have been selected this year and the pupils involved, who will have a significant advantage when competing for jobs with their peers from around the world.”