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Hong Kong Academy attaches great importance to its Putonghua (Mandarin) as a Second Language program. The goal is to deliver a program that employs the progressive structure and methods of the general, inquiry-based curriculum and to instill an appreciation for Chinese language and culture. To this end, Putonghua is woven into the fabric of school culture and is seen as part of our core curriculum.
The school has identified five learning outcomes:
-Students will be able to communicate their ideas, feelings, inquiries, and responses in Putonghua in a culturally appropriate way for basic daily needs.
-Students will be able to develop basic reading and writing skills for daily functions in a Chinese language environment.
-Students will learn basic skills and study habits essential to the process of learning the Chinese language and about Chinese culture.
-Students will have an appreciation for the language, values, and traditions of different cultures in the global community through their experience of learning Chinese language and culture.
-Students will be motivated to advance their study of Chinese language and culture.
Early Childhood Program (K3–K4)
In the early childhood program emphasis is placed on oral comprehension. The co-teacher in each class is a qualified Mandarin teacher who instructs and interacts with students side-by-side in Mandarin with the main classroom teacher.
Homework
K3 and K4-No homework is given
Assessment
K3 and K4
Through K3 to K4, formative assessment is used. This is an ongoing assessment where students are observed during class througout the academic year. Teachers write a simple paragraph at the end of the term reporting students' oral communication skills and level of cultural awareness.
Primary School Program (K5–Year 5)
In the primary grades from K5 to Year 3, students have 45 minutes of Mandarin lessons daily. From Year 4 to Year 5, students have Mandarin lessons four times a week, 60 minutes per class. During the course of an academic year, five thematic units provide the framework and context for delivery of the language curriculum. These thematic units are designed such that they follow the Primary Years Programme trans-disciplinary themes to allow for maximum integration with the overall school curriculum. Emphasis is placed on language study for communicative purposes, so that the focus of both oral and written studies is on syntax rather than isolated vocabulary. Additional emphasis is placed on the actual use of the language. Along with language learning, students also gain the opportunity to explore and experience Chinese culture.
Homework:
Homework is given to students from Y1 above on a weekly basis. Audio recordings of contents of textbooks used in the School, including K5, are available on our School's intranet for use and study at home. This support system is particularly important for non-Mandarin speaking families as it supports and consolidates the contents learned in class. A major component of Mandarin homework given to students in primary school revolves around these audio files as it stresses the oral communication aspect of the language study.
Assessment:
Assessments are made and reported upon using the following (PYP) criteria:
-Oral language: Listening
-Oral Language: Speaking
-Written Language: Reading
-Written Language: Writing
-Attitude and Engagement
Middle School Program (Year 6–Year 8)
In the Middle School, students have Mandarin lessons twice a week, 80 minutes per class. The Mandarin curriculum in the Middle School focuses on the following four aspects: communication, culture, connection and communities. Emphasis is placed on both oral and written communication using Mandarin in an authentic context. Chinese culture and basic historical studies are also included during the academic year as an integrated part of the taught program.
Homework:
Homework is given to students regularly in accordance with their ability. Moodle is used as the main communication tool between teacher and student, where the student is often required to post homework, join online discussions, and listen to textbook material saved as audio files as part of their homework. This online homework system enables support to students anytime, anywhere.
Assessment:
As the IB MYP (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program) is an internationally recognized program we have adopted an assessment structure with similar criteria and grading scales to ensure that students are assessed on strengths and weaknesses rather than the assignment of arbitrary grades, and meet international standard. The following assessment criterion is used for Mandarin:
-Speaking: Message and Interaction
-Speaking: Language
-Writing: Message and Organization
-Writing: Language
-Comprehension: Listening & engagement
-Comprehension: Reading
At A Glance:
| Year | Lesson Duration | Lessons/week |
| K3 to K4 | Co-teaching all the time | Co-teaching all the time |
| K5 to Y3 | 40 minutes | 5 |
| Y4 to Y5 | 60 minutes | 4 |
| Y6 to Y8 | 80 minutes | 2 |