In today’s interconnected world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is an increasingly valuable skill. Mandarin Chinese – the most spoken language globally – is playing an ever more significant role in international business, politics and culture.
That’s why the Department for Education is continuing to invest in the Mandarin Excellence Programme to support building a pipeline of fluent Mandarin speakers to meet the future business and economic needs of the country.
What is the Mandarin Excellence Programme?
The Mandarin Excellence Programme, delivered by UCL, is a programme that provides funding and expert support to secondary schools across England to deliver intensive Mandarin language education.
The programme is available to pupils from Year 7 right through to sixth form currently supporting over 8,000 pupils across 76 secondary schools and 20 sixth forms.
Pupils on the programme commit to intensive Mandarin study, combining classroom teaching with independent learning. This rigorous approach helps students achieve a high level of fluency and a deep understanding of Chinese language and culture.
- Schools involved in the programme receive:
- Funding to support Mandarin teaching through professional development and resources for teachers
- Partnership with a hub school to help them develop the programme
- Specially designed teacher meetings for professional development and to share ideas and resources
- An online professional network
- Online teaching materials and resources
- Support and guidance from the programme coordinator
Find out more
Visit the Mandarin Excellence Programme website for more information.