Mandarin Program

BEPS Mandarin program is based on an inquiry-based learning approach, where language is acquired through active exploration and meaningful connections. Students use Mandarin in real-world, creative contexts—through songs, stories, arts and interactive activities—helping them build confidence and curiosity.

This term, students are exploring creativity as part of their learning journey. In Mandarin, this theme enables students to express ideas, feelings and aspirations using new vocabulary, traditional arts and imaginative thinking.

Foundation students explore Mandarin through colours, shapes and numbers, using traditional Chinese art to inspire their creativity. They continue to build confidence in speaking and listening by using visuals and modelled phrases to form simple sentences. Activities focus on recognising Mandarin’s unique sounds, tones and writing system, laying a solid foundation for future language learning.

Years 1 and 2 students build on their foundational skills by using familiar words and phrases to describe colours, shapes and numbers. They respond to language cues both visually and verbally, working individually and collaboratively on creative projects. This term, they are engaging with Chinese traditional art forms while using simple sentences to express ideas and personal experiences.

Years 3 and 4 students expand their Mandarin knowledge by exploring how creativity appears in daily life and future aspirations. They describe themselves and their interests using structured sentence patterns and begin to connect language and culture more deeply. Through job-related vocabulary and art, they explore careers, design personal logos, and share their ideas in Mandarin using various media.

Years 5 and 6 students imagine their dream futures by researching careers and the skills needed to pursue them. They create resumes and logos using traditional Chinese paper-cutting techniques, incorporating meaningful symbols and Mandarin vocabulary. These activities encourage deeper thinking about identity, culture and language, while also helping students communicate clearly and creatively in both spoken and written Mandarin.

The Mandarin program aligns with BEPS’s whole-school inquiry model:

For example, in the senior years:

• Tuning In: What does creativity look, sound and feel like in language learning?
• Finding Out: Exploring vocabulary, art techniques and job roles
• Sorting Out: Connecting job skills with creative expression
• Going Further: Designing logos, resumes and Mandarin profiles that incorporate Chinese paper cutting.
• Drawing Conclusions: Sharing work and discussing language choices
• Reflection: Considering how Mandarin helps us express who we are

Here are some remarks from BEPS students:

"I really enjoyed learning how to incorporate Chinese traditional paper cutting into our lessons; it was both fun and educational." — Joshua (Year 6)

"I had a great time exploring traditional paper cutting and discovering the meanings behind the designs." — Kira (Year 5)

"I liked the paper cutting activity because it was a lot of fun to do." — Asha (Year 4)

"I enjoyed learning about Chinese characters and practicing how to write them." — Candice (Year 3)

"I learned how to make a paper fan, which was really interesting." — Oscar (Year 2)

"I had fun cutting out different shapes with paper." — Inaya (Year 1)

"I liked making a Chinese paper fan; it was really enjoyable." — Eloise (Foundation)

Angela and Silvia

Languages Captains