CURRICULUM

 

The Richmond Mandarin School offers several levels of Mandarin classes for all ages. All classes are held on Saturdays at A.R. MacNeill Secondary School in Richmond.

 

We offer the following classes:

 

                                          ㊀  adult conversation classes (2 hour classes)

                                               ◆ beginner conversation class

                                               ◆ advanced conversation class

 

                                          ㊁  adolescent conversation class (2 ½ hour classes)

 

                                          ㊂  regular classes (2 ½ hour classes)

                                               ◆ kindergarten to grade 12 classes

 

 

There are currently two adult conversation classes being offered: a beginner class and an advanced class.

 

The teacher of the adult conversation classes is a native Mandarin speaker who also speaks English and Cantonese.

 

Pronunciation and Hanyu Pinyin are emphasized at the beginning of the beginner class.

 

The topics covered in both the beginner and advanced classes include conversations one would have in everyday life, at the bank, on a trip, in business, etc. Both classes emphasize practical dialogue.

 

Adult conversation classes: 16 sessions

Morning class: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (2 hours)

Afternoon Class: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (2 hours)

 

 

Since most students who attend our adolescent conversation class are entering their first year of post-secondary education, there are no written assignments or exams for this class. Instead, the adolescent conversation class focuses on developing students’ speaking and listening skills through discussions and debates on a variety of popular topics.

 

Our regular Mandarin classes include Kindergarten to grade 12 classes. Each grade takes one year to complete* and consists of two terms each made up of 16 classes. Four reports cards are issued each year: two half way through each term (after each mid-term exam) and two after each completed term (after each final exam). The report cards are used to evaluate and show parents their child’s advancement and to help Richmond Mandarin School to improve their curriculum and teaching styles.

 

Regular classes & Adolescent conversation class: 16 sessions (1 term)

Morning class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (2 ½ hours)

Afternoon class: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (2 ½ hours)

 

 

*Students who wish to advance to a higher grade are encouraged to do so. Before being placed in the higher level, the students’ Mandarin level is accessed to make sure the advancement will not be too difficult. Please notify the staff if you or your child would like to advance to a higher grade.