Mandarin has become a popular extra-curricular subject since its introduction in 2007. Boys can join classes from Year 7 and over a four-year period they work through four levels: “Breakthrough”; “Preliminary”; “Intermediate” and GCSE.

At each level students are assessed on speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. At Breakthrough level students must be able to take part in simple social situations, such as meeting and greeting and asking basic questions, such as the time of day. As students move through the levels they will progress to more technical language skills, including asking for confirmation of information and the expression of preferences and emotions.

The Breakthrough Level is completed by an OCT Asset Language examination and students use the Kuaile Hanyu Chinese Text Book.