A call to action!
| The teaching of Mandarin in the UK is under threat. Severe grading is having a significant impact on uptake of the subject at GCSE and A level.Mandarin is a very challenging language to learn, and to deliver effective teaching in tight curriculum time in UK schools is even more so. To reach Mandarin proficiency levels comparable to those of French, Spanish or German in the time available is unrealistic even for the most able of learner candidates. With high numbers of entries from native speakers and less-than-generous grade boundaries, many hard-working learner candidates are finding the top marks very difficult to attain. For students fascinated by Asian culture and who have the chance to study this rich language, the current state of the qualifications on offer in UK schools is neither viable nor attractive. ISMLA is pleased to support the joint efforts of Manchester Grammar School and St Paul’s Girls School to lobby Pearson Edexcel for grading reform in Chinese. Following a petition earlier this year supported by ISMLA, significant progress has been made making this qualification more accessible. MGS and St Paul’s Girls are now looking for Mandarin teachers to assist with a script review happening this July (6th-12th July). The purpose of this exercise is to apply new grade descriptors and establish fairer grade boundaries. This is a vital opportunity to influence how the new system works in practice, especially for non-native students. Please register using the link below. Your input could make a real difference. Regards, The Independent Schools’ Modern Languages Association |
| Petition letter |
| Register to take part in the survey |