Mandarin (Beginners Course)

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): Pre-A1

Course aims

By the end of the course, learners will be able to understand and use simple phrases and questions to exchange information in familiar situations in the target language.

Who is this course for?

The course is suitable for complete beginners with no prior knowledge of the language.

Course content

You will acquire basic knowledge of:

• Personal information (e.g. nationality, family, occupation)
• Eating and drinking (e.g. ordering food and drinks in cafés and restaurants)
• Introduction to the language alphabet (for non-Roman script languages)
• Formal and informal language if appropriate
• Negative structure
• Words used to link ideas, e.g. and, but, also
• How to ask questions
• The basic rules of pronunciation
• Cultural aspect
• Simple structures to express like / dislike
• Present tense / timeframe with frequently used verbs / structures
• Basic numerical data.

Please note that the above topics and language functions may vary according to the needs of the learners.

How will I be assessed? 

This course has no formal qualification; however, your work in class will be assessed by your tutor in order to enhance your learning. You will be expected to take these assessments. Throughout your course, you will be required to complete your Individual Learning Plan (or Personal Action Plan) which includes your learning objectives, long and short term goals. 

You will have opportunities to review your own progress and reflect on how you can further improve your language skills. You will set up your own personal targets (task, project, etc.) which will be reviewed with your tutor. A certificate of achievement will be awarded on completion of the course upon request.

What could this course lead to?

A course at Beginners Plus*
*Please note that we cannot guarantee that this level will be offered as all courses are planned subject to sufficient demand.

How will I learn?

By using the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The emphasis at this level will be on acquiring and practising speaking and listening skills in order to get by in the country. There will be tutor input, group, pair and individual work, as well as use of a range of audio-visual and IT resources.

We aim to match the teaching to a wide range of individual learning styles and to make your learning enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. You will be given homework to complete after each session. Some literacy, numeracy and IT skills can help you learn a language. We can give you guidance and support to acquire these.

Your commitments as a learner:

• Attend every session of your course. If you need to miss a class, please let your tutor know in advance. Learners should consider their personal commitments and circumstances that may prevent attendance before enrolling on a course as missed classes will affect their learning. Missed classes cannot be taken at another time.
• Have sufficient time for self-study and completion of homework. In order to maximise your learning, we strongly recommend that you spend at least 15 minutes every day (2 hours per week) on self-study, homework, language practice, etc.
• Complete the course.
• Complete all the assessments.

Our courses are funded by the government on that understanding.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring a pen, paper, ring-binder and you may be required to purchase a course book.