The Confucius Hub
Mandarin Chinese Language & Culture classes

South West College has been delivering Mandarin Chinese Language & Culture classes since becoming a Confucius Hub in 2012. The Hub has been phenomenally successful and has witnessed an annual growth in engagement. Each year, we welcome twelve wonderful Mandarin tutors to South West College who deliver classes to Primary and Post Primary Schools across the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh, Armagh & Down and to College students in each of our campuses.

The aim of our Hub is to give students the most authentic opportunity to immerse themselves in this unique, and (one of) the oldest cultures that still has a presence in the modern world. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to get first-hand experience and get taught by a teacher from the other side of the world and engage in a new language and culture.

The Confucius Institute not only provides us with excellent, highly qualified and experienced teachers but also offers language competitions, Chinese New Year competitions as well as a wide range of cultural workshops which can be arranged for your students.

Primary School students are encouraged to take the Mandarin Chinese YCT examination and Post Primary School students the HSK examinations, which will provide them with a certificate in foundation and intermediate language skills. Progression routes are available at all levels.

Tutors

In the report entitled ‘Languages for the Future’ published by the British Council, it ranked Mandarin as a vital language to the UK over the next twenty years. It highlighted the need to prepare our young people for life in a globalised, multicultural society and that knowledge of the Chinese language and culture among people in the UK will create a deeper mutual understanding between our communities and give young people the opportunity to open up their horizons for the future.

At a time when school finances are continually pressurised it is important to note that this enrichment incurs no tuition fee. The programme is completely bespoke, and we can tailor classes to suit your own schools’ needs or preferences. We would be delighted to include your school on this exceptional programme and if you would be interested in giving your students this exclusive opportunity to develop their knowledge of Chinese language and culture please do not hesitate to get in touch.