Mandarin Uptake Increasing In Schools
There are all sorts of benefits associated with learning foreign languages, everything from improved memory function and enhanced problem-solving skills to more flexible and creative thinking.
While we’re well used to French and German lessons in schools, it seems that there’s a growing number of places now going a little off-piste with the curriculum and offering the likes of Mandarin, instead.
According to the TES, hundreds of schools around the country are now teaching Mandarin along with other modern foreign languages – and it seems that they’re proving popular as subjects, with uptake increasing.
In fact, figures show that in 2018, the number of pupils taking Mandarin at A Level overtook those opting for German for the first time. And since 2016, over 6,000 have enrolled on the government’s Mandarin Excellence Programme.
Liqun Dai, head of Chinese at Hull’s Archbishop Sentamu Academy, explained the benefits of learning Mandarin for children, saying: “The Chinese language is unique. It is a tonal language, and in terms of cognitive development, it enhances students’ maths and music ability, and problem-solving skills.
“China is the second-largest economy in the world and four out of five businesses have job opportunities created by foreign trade. Learning Mandarin will definitely give students a head start in their future careers and an edge in the job market.”
If your school doesn’t currently offer this as an option, get in touch with us for help with home schooling in Braintree. We cover languages and linguistics like French, German, Italian and Spanish, but can also provide tuition in subjects like Chinese and Arabic, as and when required.