At Concordia, we are intentional in building strong language skills in every student throughout their learning journey. As a school in China, we are especially committed to providing an excellent and rigorous Mandarin program that prepares students to communicate with confidence in our host country while broadening their worldview and strengthening their global competence.
Mandarin Program
Concordia's Mandarin program nurtures students' Chinese linguistic and cultural talents from Preschool to Grade 12.
Our rigorous curriculum values the unique features of Chinese language and culture, offering multiple course levels tailored to each student’s proficiency.
Teaching Philosophy
Our Mandarin program’s philosophy reflects the school’s mission and vision. We educate students holistically and inspire their curiosity. We are committed to passing on the rich, diverse, and profound aspects of Chinese culture, including Chinese literature and its creative language.
Our approach focuses on nurturing every student through a journey of personal and academic growth, fosters a growth mindset, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We aim to deepen their understanding of Chinese philosophy, values, and history, strengthen their connections to their roots, family values, and traditions, and help them view their identity through a multicultural lens.
At Concordia, we offer two pathways to enhance students’ language and cognitive development while preparing them to become effective communicators and active global citizens.
Two Pathways of Mandarin Study
We recognize that language learning is an individualized journey. Students learn languages at different paces and they are recommended for different level courses based on their proficiency skills.
Beginning in Kindergarten, the Mandarin program provides two pathways:
Chinese Language & Literature (CLL)
For: Students with significant exposure to Mandarin and/or those who use Mandarin as a primary language at home.
Focus: Enriching literacy skills and fostering an appreciation for the language’s functionality and aesthetics.
Engagement: Students explore a wide range of literary and informational texts across various genres and cultures.
Standards: The Common Core State Standards and the Chinese National Curriculum Standards served as guiding frameworks for curriculum development.
Chinese Language & Culture (CLC)
For: Students with diverse levels of exposure to Mandarin.
Focus: Developing communication skills and cultural understanding through integrated language and cultural activities.
Skills Development: Proficiency in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills.
Standards: The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education serve as foundational frameworks for curriculum development.
Sample Mandarin Progression Flowcharts
Opportunities to Expand Mandarin Learning
In addition to Mandarin courses, extracurricular offerings such as Chinese Club and Chinese Honor Society allow students to develop their knowledge of Chinese culture while enhancing their language and leadership skills. Our heritage Mandarin courses and co-curricular offerings are equally suited for high school students who are coming to Concordia from other top schools.
Our Stories
Grade 8 Students Shine with Pudong Mandarin Showcase
At the 2024–2025 Pudong New Area International Students Mandarin Showcase competition, five Concordia students brought their vision to life with fluent Mandarin and a lively performance. And guess what? They took home third place!
Mandarin Students Inspired by History
G7 and G8 students in the Chinese Language and Literature - Advanced class, led by Mandarin teachers Ms. Yuan Yao and Ms. Amy Chen, brought the stories of anti-war advocates throughout history to life on a series of creative posters.
Students Place High at Chinese Speech Competition
Concordia students Saanvi and Angelina took home 2nd prize in their respective categories (ES and MS) at the Palace Museum Chinese Speech Competition of the Pudong Overseas Students Chinese Culture Exhibition.
Empowered Mandarin Students Advocate for Peace
The G7&8 CLL Advanced classes completed their project display with great success, presenting in fluent Mandarin perspectives and beliefs of worldwide Peace Ambassadors’.
Appreciating Traditional Chinese Culture Through Painting and Poetry
Three art pieces crafted by Concordia students have been selected for the final exhibition of Pudong's district-wide "Poetic and Picturesque" artworks competition.