How to Apply

You can get the application forms from reception in Shaolin Temple UK fill in and return them with payment to secure a place. Students enrol on a termly basis. We offer a 5% discount on the second term, 10% on the third and 15% on all subsequent terms when booked consecutively. Payments must be received at least one week before the start date of the course to qualify for the discount. There is a 5% discount for new students if your payment is received by 11^th April for summer term courses 2005. Course materials are not included in the course price. Card, Cash and Cheque payment acceptable. A minimum of five students are required for the course to start. Five students must pre-register for subsequent terms for the course to continue.

Refunds

All cancellations and request for refunds must be in writing (including email) and should be received at least five working days before the start of the course. Refunds cannot be made within five working days prior to the start of the course and once the course has started. There is no partial refund for classes not attended.

Levels

Beginner Mandarin

This level is designed for people who have no previous knowledge of the language. The course aims to provide a sound and solid introduction over three terms in basic Chinese with the emphasis on developing practical listening, spoken, reading and some writing skills of the course participants. They will be introduced to over 700 commonly used characters in 36 weeks.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to communicate within a limited range of daily life situations, including greetings, introductions, daily activities, finding your way, telling the time of day and the date, making simple purchases, ordering a meal, etc. You will be able to understand very simple texts and ascertain specific information on simple topics.

Homework is set each week and there will be regular informal assessments and an end-of-term exercise towards the end of the first term. The course participants will learn around 20 characters per week and are expected to spend at least 2-3 hours outside the class on preparation, homework and revision. Class size is limited to 12 to allow close involvement.

Intermediate Mandarin

To start this level you should be able to communicate (verbally) in the situations described in Beginners Mandarin, although you may feel in need of more proactive. The course again consists of three terms with a continued focus on developing listening, spoken and reading skills of the course participants. They will be introduced to a further 750 words over 36 weeks and also start to learn to read characters in full form from the second term. By the end of the course, participants should be able to communicate freely in daily life situations, to describe some events and to express their own ideas and views while engaged in discussion in a limited range of topics, including personal and family information, shopping, simple health problems, housing, free time, job-related issues, etc. you will be able to deal with written simple texts, such as personal letters and emails.

From the second term, both Chinese and English will be used as the language of instruction in class. The course is still very much practice based focusing on listening and speaking, with a balance between communicative activities, structure practice, grammar and reading. Homework is set each week and there will be regular informal assessments and an end-of-term exercise towards the end of the first term. The course participants will learn around 20 characters per week and are expected to spend at least 2-3 hours outside the class on preparation, homework and revision. Class size is limited to 12 to allow close involvement.

Advanced Mandarin

To start this level you should be able to communicate in a wide range of common and familiar situations. The course is designed to assist participants to read Chinese newspapers and similar authentic materials from other media. The course consists of three terms during which it is hoped that the participants will become familiar with the structure and formats of Chinese news media. The course also aims to further participants' understanding of the different aspects of life in Chinese societies both in the past and present through various chosen topics.

Chinese will be the language of instruction in class. The course will be discussion based, with regular topical seminars. In addition to written texts, authentic audio and visual materials will also feature in the course in each of the three terms. Preparation for the class is highly recommended, and voluntary homework is set each week. Class size is limited to 12 to allow close involvement. By the end of the course you will be able to converse with relative ease on a wide range of issues, including explaining and defending your views, and comparing the merits of various discussion topics. You will be able to read complex factual texts.

Comments from students

'The course has been stimulating and fun and the teacher has ensured that the course moves at the pace that is best for the students. The course balances the disciplines of speaking, listening, reading and writing. In a short space of time I have gained and understanding of structure and pronunciation and also developing skills in reading and writing. I would highly recommend this course for anyone wishing to learn to speak Mandarin Chinese.'
(Richard, from Beginners Mandarin Class)