Language B Higher and Standard level are language acquisition courses developed for students with some background in the Chinese language; while learning an additional language, students will acquire a good understanding of how Chinese language reflects Chinese culture. Therefore, these courses focus on language acquisition and intercultural awareness. 

• Enable students to understand and use the language in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

• Enable students to use the language appropriately

• Encourage an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures

• Develop students’ awareness of the role of language in relation to other areas of knowledge

• Provide students with a basis for further study, work and leisure

• Develop students’ awareness of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar

Emphasis is placed on knowledge of Chinese culture and heritage as well as expanding students’ vocabulary and building a solid knowledge of grammatical structures. The focus is on the interaction between students, native speakers and Chinese texts, so it is important for students to be active participants in the learning activities. Students will have the opportunity to read literary and non-literary texts, watch and discuss broadcasts, bulletins and films. 

Higher Level students explore topics in greater depth than Standard Level students. They are also required to tackle more demanding tasks and write at greater length in their written examinations.  At Higher Level, students will also study two literary texts. 

At both levels, the Listening, Reading and Writing examinations account for 75% of the marks. At Standard level and Higher Level, Assessment 1 (25%) requires students to write an essay chosen from a list of 3 titles. Students will write 300-480 Chinese characters at Standard level and 540-720 Chinese characters at Higher level. Assessment 2 (50%) involves receptive skills. There will be a Listening Paper and a separate Reading Paper. Both Papers at both Standard and Higher level will include 3 comprehension exercises. 

The Speaking component, which makes up the remaining 25% of the marks, is assessed during the second year of the course and students undergo an internally assessed Individual Oral exam. At Standard level students will talk about topics which they have covered during the course, based on a visual stimulus. At Higher level, there will be a requirement to use an extract from one of the literary texts, as a focus for a discussion about the themes in the chosen literary text.  Students will also be required to have a general conversation at both levels.  

The standard required of a candidate, after a two year ab initio course, is much the same as is required of a strong GCSE candidate. The nature of the language taught and the range of grammar and vocabulary required is also similar to the requirements of GCSE. 

The IB requires us to guide students onto language courses that are the correct level of challenge for the individual to allow for meaningful learning over the two years. Therefore, as ab initio is a beginner's course, it is inappropriate for students who have already studied the language at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. 

​The ab initio course is as demanding in its own way as the language B Standard and Higher Level courses. Students will have the opportunity to read texts, watch and listen to audio-visual materials, such as film, extracts of TV and radio programmes.  

At ab initio level, the Listening, Reading and Writing examinations make up 75% of the marks. Assessment 1 (25%) requires students to write 2 essays chosen from a list of 3 titles. Students will have 1 hour to write 2 essays of 70-150 words. Assessment 2 (50%) involves receptive skills. There will be a Listening Paper and a separate Reading Paper. Both Papers will include 3 comprehension exercises. 

The Speaking component, which makes up the remaining 25% of the marks, is assessed during the second year of the course. Students will undergo an internally assessed Individual Oral exam to express their knowledge of topics which they have covered during the course, based on a visual stimulus. Students will also be required to have a general conversation. 

Chinese Ab initio will only run if there are sufficient number of students 

By studying Chinese Language Acquisition Course, especially in Chinese B Higher Level and Chinese Standard Level, students will acquire an effective proficiency in Chinese and a deep understanding of Chinese culture. During the course, students will apply analytical approaches and critical theories in a variety of contexts and convey their thinking in oral and written forms.

Students often go on to study related degrees such as Medicine, Law, Business, Finance, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, and Education etc.  As Chinese is the host language in Hong Kong, past WIS Chinese Alumni have used their sound Chinese language skills to enjoy successful careers in these fields. Students who study Chinese Language are also able to integrate well into local Universities. 

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