Antoine Rogeon, Head of MFL at Queen Anne’s School,on why Mandarin is opening doors for its students, and the enriching experiences as part of learning
A recent report from the British Council has highlighted the gap between student demand and provision for Mandarin in the UK. While more than a third of young people say they would like the chance to study it, only a small proportion currently have the opportunity.
At Queen Anne’s School, we are proud to offer Mandarin as a core part of our curriculum. First introduced in September 2009, Mandarin has grown into a well-established subject here – we ensure that every student in Lower 4 (Year 7) begins their journey with the language.
This early exposure allows pupils to build a strong foundation and then choose to continue through to GCSE, where many go on to achieve outstanding results. We are delighted that last year, Mandarin GCSE candidates at our school achieved 100% A*/A grades.
Mandarin at Queen Anne’s is about more than learning vocabulary and grammar. Students are encouraged to engage with the language in a cultural and creative context. Each year, our Chinese New Year assembly brings the whole school together to celebrate. We include performances from students and staff, featuring music, drama, singing, and dancing. These showcase not only the language but also the vibrancy of Chinese culture and traditions.
Learning Mandarin at Queen Anne’s extends far beyond the classroom. Pupils take part in a rich programme of cultural activities that deepen their understanding of Chinese heritage.
Notable activities include cookery lessons each October, where our students learn how to make traditional mooncakes. Then, in June, we offer dragon boat activities – giving a taste of one of China’s most famous and exciting festivals. Learning goes further still as we host an end-of-year trip to a Chinese restaurant and the British Museum, connecting language learning to real-world cultural experiences.
The opportunity to study Mandarin is there for all students, and those who choose to take it further consistently excel in their academic studies. Year after year, our Mandarin learners demonstrate exceptional progress, reflecting both their commitment and the support of our specialist teaching provision.
We are looking ahead in offering this within our curriculum. By embedding Mandarin into the first year of secondary study and then providing a clear route through to GCSE, Queen Anne’s ensures that students have the chance to develop skills and broader understanding of one of the world’s most valuable languages.
The skills they gain – from linguistic precision to cultural awareness – stay with them long after their exams. Our goal is to equip them for the professional challenges and opportunities of a global future.
Queen Anne’s School qas.org.uk
Further reading: Kensington Wade on its Mandarin immersion
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