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From boosting your students’ employment prospects to broadening their global perspective, there are many good reasons to start teaching Mandarin Chinese Mandarin Chinese at your school 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 can help students develop a practical skill set 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 qualitymaterials designed for educators, including lesson plans, activities, and assessments. These resources cater to teachers delivering both 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 and 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 and 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 lets students 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 – fromConfucian philosophy and classical literature, to artforms like calligraphy and Chinese opera. Learning Mandarin also provides access to contemporary Chinese culture, including music, film and cuisine. Learning Mandarin can be the gateway to developing new cultural understanding and acquiring a more globally-minded perspective. Highlights Future business and career opportunities: Equip students with the language skills to thrive in a globally connected economy, with China as a key UK trade partner. 5 REASONS TO INTRODUCE... 30 SECOND BRIEFING 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. Student success: Mandarin proficiency boosts confidence, future opportunities, and enjoyment in mastering a unique language, helping students stand out academically and professionally. Global experiences: Mandarin opens doors to academic programmes and learning opportunities in China and enables students to explore one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating cultures. Free teaching resources: Access UCL IOE’s MARS platform to support effective, engaging Mandarin instruction in schools. 5 This article was produced by the Mandarin Excellence Programme. Find out more at ci.ioe.ac.uk/mandarin- excellence-programme/ The Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) is delivered by the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) and in partnership with the British Council PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 16 teachwire.net/secondary