Kellett welcomes early Putonghua learning

While some parents may still question the rationale of learning Putonghua at an English-medium primary school, the vast majority sees and supports the logic.

There are the scientific reasons that conclusively show that the earlier children start to learn a language, the better. For those who want more evidence, there is a lengthening list of solid justifications that range from economic to cultural considerations to the plain common sense of achieving fluency in China's national language which is spoken by around one-fifth of the world's population. 

"Putonghua is one of the official working languages of the United Nations and is also recognised as one of the fastest-growing languages in the world," says David Wu, head of Chinese studies at Kellett School, the British international school. "The aim of our programme is to teach students skills in communicating, socio-cultural understanding, and positive values and attitudes about the Chinese language." 

At Kellett School, children learn to read and write simplified characters from Reception level, though overall the curriculum places more emphasis on developing listening and speaking skills. This is done through games, stories, role-plays, songs and rhymes. Teachers also use arts and crafts, cultural talks, and projects linked to events and festivals to broaden students' vocabulary and get them to exchange ideas and information, while computers are also used where appropriate to add variety and enhance classroom interaction.

On the way to Primary 6, the course progressively introduces structures and words to deal with all kinds of day-to-day situations. For example, students learn how to express feelings and appropriate emotions, as well as how to obtain and convey information. In doing this, they also develop awareness of what it takes to make friends at school and to socialise in the wider community. 

"Children become familiar with similarities and differences in ways of thinking and the patterns of behaviour in their own and other cultures," Wu says. "They develop a receptiveness and willingness to learn, and gain personal satisfaction through being able to use Chinese and by building up their knowledge of vocabulary and language structure.