Mandarin Baseline Assessment

For students joining Year 7, 8 and those selecting Mandarin as an IGCSE option in Years 9-11, please choose ONE appropriate assessment paper from the following Dulwich Mandarin pathways:

• Chinese as a First Language This pathway is designed for learners whose first language is Chinese. It develops learners' ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and in order to develop an appreciation of how writers achieve their effects. This pathway also complements other areas of study by encouraging skills of more general application. From Year 9 onwards, students typically pursue the Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a First Language course (0509), followed by IB Chinese A from Year 12.

• Mandarin as a Second Language This pathway is for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding to progress their education or career. Through their studies, learners achieve a thorough understanding of a wide range of registers and styles and learn to communicate appropriately in different situations. The pathway focuses on the linked language skills of reading, writing, listening and oral communication. Through their study of Mandarin as a Second Language, learners can achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study. From Year 9, students typically follow the Cambridge IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language course (0523), progressing to IB Chinese B from Year 12.

• Mandarin as a Foreign Language This pathway is designed for learners who are learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies. The pathway also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where Mandarin Chinese is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages. Students typically follow the Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin as a Foreign Language course (0547) from Year 9, progressing to IB Chinese B from Year 12.

Please note that in order to study IGCSE from Year 9, your child must have some prior Mandarin learning beforehand. In other words, we are unable to accept students who would like to start learning Mandarin in Year 9 from the beginning.

• For First Language, we recommend achieving at least 80% in HSK6 before studying IGCSE Chinese First Language in Year 9.
• For Second Language, we recommend passing (60%) at least HSK5 before studying IGCSE Chinese Second Language in Year 9.
• For Foreign Language, we recommend passing (60%) at least HSK3 before studying IGCSE Mandarin Foreign Language in Year 9.

Kindly request your child to download the chosen assessment paper below and complete it (hand written) in a quiet room (no more than 30 minutes) and upload the finished papers to your Admissions Portal.

Please inform the Admissions team if your child is a complete beginner of Mandarin. In this case, there is no need to complete any of the papers below.