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Britain boosts Mandarin in schools as China's power grows
2008-02-07
Teenagers in England will be able to study for a new national qualification in Mandarin, reflecting the growing importance of China as a global power, an exam board announced Thursday, Students aged 15 and 16 will get the chance to study the subject for their GCSE exams, which all young people in the country have to sit, from next year, the Assessments and Qualifications Alliance said. The board said it was making the announcement to coincide with the start of Lunar New Year. "Teachers and businesses are calling out and really want to step up the teaching of Mandarin in schools," said Claire Ellis, public affairs manager for AQA. "Interest in China and Chinese has grown quickly over the past few years, reflecting its increasing importance politically and economically," added a spokeswoman. The qualification will be available from September 2009. Another, smaller exam board in England already offers a Mandarin GCSE. AQA is also rolling out a range of lower qualifications in Mandarin.
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