Mandarin on the menu at Ballymena Academy

Year 8 pupils at Ballymena Academy have been given an opportunity to get a taste of Mandarin and learn about Chinese Culture, in a 12 week course which is delivered in partnership with the Confucius Institute.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Jan 2016, 11:35 BST
Year 8 students at Ballymena Academy with their Mandarin and Cultural Studies teacher Li Fang. INBT 03-102JCYear 8 students at Ballymena Academy with their Mandarin and Cultural Studies teacher Li Fang. INBT 03-102JC
Year 8 students at Ballymena Academy with their Mandarin and Cultural Studies teacher Li Fang. INBT 03-102JC

The course will enable them to take a qualification in the language.

Also, as part of the Sixth Form Enrichment Programme, pupils can study for the HSK qualification in Mandarin.

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Mr Stephen Black, Principal of Ballymena Academy, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide our pupils with this opportunity and are most appreciative of the work that the staff from the Confucius Institute have done in order to provide our pupils with access to tuition in Mandarin and Cultural Studies.

Mandarin and Cultuaral Studies teacher Wen Chen with Year 8 students at Ballymena Academy. INBT 03-103JCMandarin and Cultuaral Studies teacher Wen Chen with Year 8 students at Ballymena Academy. INBT 03-103JC
Mandarin and Cultuaral Studies teacher Wen Chen with Year 8 students at Ballymena Academy. INBT 03-103JC

“This language, in addition to the other European languages offered in Ballymena Academy - French, German and Spanish, adds further breadth to our curriculum and provides pupils with additional skills which are becoming increasingly important to prospective employers.

“Our Year 8 pupils are really enjoying the experience and it is lovely to hear them greeting each other and their teachers in Mandarin.”

Related topics:Ballymena Academy