We're open for GCSE results day!

No matter what grades you get - if you are considering joining College, drop in on the 21st or 22nd August.

Work for us

Join Abingdon & Witney College, an award-winning employer

Work for Us

Search Website

Search our website for news, courses, and general information

Chinese (Mandarin) - Beginners Level A

Course code: P10554

Subject area: Languages

Study level: Part Time

Course level: U

Course details

Course time:

18:30 - 20:30

Days of week:

Tuesday

Course date:

30th Sept 2025 - 9th Dec 2025

Course location:

Cheney School

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

Discover the joy of learning a new language with this fun and friendly course for complete beginners, focused on speaking, listening and cultural insight.
This course is perfect for absolute beginners who are curious about learning a new language in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. The main aim is to help you start to ‘get by’ in everyday situations, with a strong focus on speaking and listening skills.

With guidance from an enthusiastic and supportive tutor, you’ll begin to build simple sentences and develop confidence in using the language from day one. You’ll learn how to greet others, exchange courtesies, say farewell, and introduce yourself with key personal details such as your name, nationality and profession.

The course also includes a light introduction to cultural aspects related to the language, helping you understand the context in which the language is spoken. While the content has a clear educational purpose, the learning experience is designed to be engaging, social and fun.

Whether you’re preparing for travel, meeting new people or simply trying something new, this course offers a great first step into language learning.

What next?
Chinese (Mandarin) - Beginners B
Entry criteria
There are no formal requirements at this level. All welcome.
Fee information
A text book is used to accompany the course but it is optional to buy this (average cost £20 - £25). The text book will support your learning for at least 1 year. You may also like to buy a small dictionary. Your tutor will be able to advise you at the first session.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 216 400 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

19+ Fee:

£217.00

19+ Reduced Fee:

£121.00

Learning & method assessment
We will use HSK1 as reference book for teaching methods and learning assessments. The learning activities will mainly be organised in pair work/small groups. Homework every week will be based on a summary sheet of the lesson for you to review in your own time.

As this is a non-accredited course, informal methods of assessment will be used. You will be required to complete a RARPA form which represents Recognising and Recording your Progress and Achievement.