How can you use news about China in your school with your children learning Mandarin Chinese?

Keeping children learning Chinese motivated with current news about the growing importance of China in the global economy can be key to maintaining good learning progress.

There can also be policy changes regarding learning Chinese in schools in various countries (USA, Singapore, UK, Australia and in China itself. Stay in contact with this part of the site.

England: Language Learning to become compulsory in Primary Schools from 2014

Tags: UK

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that language learning will become a compulsory subject in primary education. This change, due to be implemented in 2014, will provide pupils with the opportunity to better understand the world from an earlier age. It also provides our primary pupils with the necessary tools to ensure that a strong base in languages is developed to support language learning in Key Stage 3.   

The DfE will be will start a consultation process later this summer ahead of the planned implementation. For more information visit the DfE’s website here.

Highlights from the US 2012 National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC 2012)

Tags: USA

Unable to attend the biggest Chinese conference in the US?   Have a look at the many presentations that were given earlier this month.  Whether you are from the US, or not, here you can catch up on the best from the plenary speakers.

UK: SSAT/Chinese Networks – National Conference 2012

Are you a Chinese teacher and want to learn the very latest best and next practice?  Are you a Headteacher or head of MFL that is considering Chinese and want to learn more?  Are you just looking for CPD of networking opportunities?

Then book yourself a place at this year’s Chinese Schools Network conference?   

When?  18-19 May 2012

UK: SSAT Confucius Institute Excellence Awards 2012- Nominate a teacher

Tags: UK

What are the awards for?  This is your opportunity to celebrate all the hard work and effort that goes into really great Chinese teaching.   It is a chance to show your appreciation for a colleague and gain public recognition for their contributions.

Read about the Excellence Awards here: