Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
As part of our International Learning Strategy, we have developed an exciting partnership with the Confucius Institute at Bangor University to deliver weekly Mandarin lessons to our Years 3–6 pupils.
Introducing Mandarin reflects the school’s commitment to providing meaningful international language learning designed to broaden pupils’ horizons and embed an early understanding of global citizenship. Learners are introduced not only to spoken Mandarin, but also to Chinese culture, traditions, and global perspectives as they develop as ambitious, capable learners who are curious about the world and confident in engaging with different cultures.
The partnership has also supported staff professional development, increasing confidence in the teaching of international languages. Working with the tutors our staff have observed effective strategies and pronunciation techniques that inform their own classroom practice, better equipping them to deliver enjoyable, inclusive, and effective language learning.
The greatest impact, however, has been on our learners. We secured Taith funding which meant our Year 6 pupils visited Singapore and allowed them to use their Mandarin in real-life contexts. Seeing them apply their learning beyond the classroom was a humbling moment and reinforced the purpose and value of languages to them. For many, it was their first experience of how languages can truly “take you places”.
Alongside Mandarin, we also deliver French to our Junior Classes, ensuring pupils experience more than one additional language before they move to secondary school. We are clear this introduction is designed to reinforce key literacy skills—listening, speaking, pattern recognition, and memory—while helping learners make connections between languages and understand that languages are diverse, valuable, and accessible to everyone.
Ultimately, we aim to embed a love of languages across the school rooted in the belief that learning another language opens minds, builds confidence, and empowers pupils to see themselves as active participants in a global community. We are incredibly proud of all they achieve.