Year 11 Chinese

Year 11 Chinese

Language learning at Year 11 will be a mana-enhancing experience that will allow you to access the language and culture of China, as well as developing your awareness and connections to others along the way. You will have opportunities to apply these skills with our sister schools in China through both virtual and physical exchanges. Learning a language will broaden your career horizons and allow you to work anywhere in the world with the skills you have developed through your language learning adventure at Westlake.

Common Q&A 

Q: I am Chinese, but my Chinese is not good and I want to take this subject to improve my Chinese. Can I take this course?

A: No. 11CHI does not fit your purpose. Instead, you should take 13NCH (Year 13 Chinese for Native Speakers) in Year 13 which is a course designed for background speakers and native speakers to help improve and maintain their Chinese language and cultural competency. 

Q: I didn't take Chinese in Year 10. Can I still take 11CHI?

A: Yes. 11CHI is an open entry course. You will be supported by the teacher to catch up on the Year 10 contents at the beginning of the year, but you will need to be committed to putting the extra hours outside of class to keep up with the lesson pace. If you want to select 11CHI as a beginner, the best option is to see Miss Huang in L block office to receive more information and resources to help you prepare.  

Q: What topics are covered in this course? 

Whānau – Family and community  

Whakanui and Manaakitanga – Celebrations and hospitality 

Ako – To teach and to learn

Hauora – Wellbeing 

Cultural workshops such as calligraphy, food tasting, trips to restaurants, overseas trips to China etc. 

Q: What do the assessments look like for this course?

A: You have two in-class assessments and two formal exams. 

• Assessment 1 (in-class): Write short piece(s) of writing in Chinese with resources.

• Assessment 2 (formal exam): Listen / Read passages in Chinese and answer the questions in English. 

• Assessment 3 (in-class): Have conversations using simple spoken Chinese. 

• Assessment 4 (formal exam): Listen / Read passages in Chinese and answer the questions in English. 

Q: How does learning Chinese help in careers? 

A: In an increasingly globalised world, knowledge of additional languages and cultures is a considerable career advantage. Learners of Chinese will gain the skill set to navigate communication barriers and cultural differences to foster mutual understanding, care, and respect in the workplace.

Additionally, Chinese can support and enrich international career opportunities and life experiences. Learning Chinese will help students to embark on a gap year and live, work, and study within Chinese-speaking countries and communities. This provides students with the valuable opportunity to broaden their horizons, build self-confidence, and learn more about themselves.

Learners of Chinese will be able to experience the pleasure of accessing the art and literature of Chinese culture at a deeper level. This includes being able to enjoy Chinese films, television, music, and books in the original language. They will be able to break down language barriers to extend their own social sphere and grow close personal relationships with a wider range of people.