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Chinese (Mandarin) - Beginners

Course code: P10556

Subject area: Languages

Study level: Part Time

Course level: U

Course details

Course time:

18:30 - 20:30

Days of week:

Tuesday

Course date:

14th Apr 2026 - 23rd Jun 2026

Course location:

Cheney School

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

This is a continuation course at Beginners level from a 10-week beginners A course and a 10-week beginners B course; it opens for all who consider themselves competent at this level. The main emphasis will be on speaking (Mainly pinyin based) and listening including some relevant cultural information.

Although the writing of the characters is not the most emphasised element at this level, we will go through some basic writing techniques. You will also begin to learn some grammatical concepts, but this will be kept to a minimum.

This is a course with fun in mind. The main aim is to help you to begin and to continue to 'get by' in the language. The emphasis will be on speaking (mainly Pinyin based) and listening, also some relevant cultural information. You will learn some very basic ideas of the language and start to learn how to build sentences with encouragement from an enthusiastic tutor.

The topics mainly are:

- Continue basic Language knowledge: Pronunciation rules

- Continue basic Character study: Strokes sequel

- Ask and tell time.

- Weather talk.

- Shopping.

- How did you travel?

If you are to gain maximum benefit and enjoyment from your language class, it will be useful to spend some time working between sessions. There will usually be a small amount of homework set each week .

The course will equip you with some knowledge on the Chinese characters. We will also introduce some culture/traditions alongside the Chinese festivals, and some common sayings and Idiom.

Free parking onsite, bus stop outside. Bring own refreshments if needed. No class during half term.

What next?
Chinese (Mandarin) - Improvers
Entry criteria
There are no formal entry requirements. This is a course for those who have already studied the language for about 20 hours or have picked up a little on holidays or business trips.
Fee information
If you are new to the course you will need to purchase a standard course book (HSK1), which normally costs around £25. You will also need to buy a small dictionary if you haven't already got one.

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
- Course book and workbook

- Digital tools – online quizzes & activities

- Tutor demonstration and repetition, classroom interactive activities - pair work and group work

- Independent learning: homework/digital learning

- Informal on going assessment via Q&A, digital online quizzes, and audio tools. Peer assessment.

As this is a non-accredited course, there is no formal qualification. To track your progress and achievement you will be required to complete a short document.