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The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is committed to encouraging the diversification of the study of modern foreign languages in this country. This policy underpins an agreement with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in China to promote the development and enhancement of educational collaboration at the general education level that was signed in July 2006. DCSF, Hanban, the British Council and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) are working together on a strategy for the support of the study of Mandarin Chinese and China across the curriculum through the development of resources, teacher training and accreditation, through direct access to native speakers for students learning Chinese, school linking and collaborative activities.
This year, there are two outstanding opportunities for students in this country to visit China with their schools: the Language Immersion Courses and the Summer Camps There is one application form on which schools specify which programme – the Language Immersion Courses or the Summer Camps - you have chosen.
The principal objective of the courses is to stimulate interest in Chinese language, culture and society for those schools currently offering Chinese language study either on or off the curriculum and those schools considering introducing it. These courses are designed either as an introduction to Chinese language or as an enhancement of existing provision. All students will extend their knowledge and experience of Chinese culture and history.
Each programme starts in Beijing, after which the participants fly to one of a number of course centres around China.
Pre-departure briefing days will be held in the UK for all participants. At these days the students and teachers will be given introductory Mandarin classes, have the chance to take part in traditional Chinese activities, learn a little about Beijing and the province they will be visiting along with learning about Chinese culture and etiquette. They are designed to maximise the benefit of the trip for the participants. Details of these briefings will be disseminated once participants have been recruited.
The expected ratio of teachers to students is 1:8. The maximum number of participants per school will be determined by the volume of applications.
Please note that the application deadline for the 2009 courses has now passed.
Information about the 2010 courses will be available on the website in the autumn term 2009.
The British Council and SSAT have block-booked the international flights for the courses. The cost per participant (including teachers) is £725.
Schools that are successful in their application for places will be asked to make a first payment of £150 on or before 24th March.. The first payment is non-refundable and represents commitment to paying the full amount and taking part in the visit. After this the school will be responsible for meeting the cost of any cancellation. The remaining balance of £575 per participant will be due on 11th May.
In addition, participants will need to cover the cost of the following, which the British Council and SSAT ask schools to arrange independently. We can, however, offer guidance on applying for visas.
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domestic travel within the UK |
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insurance (if the school’s insurance does not cover the participants) |
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visas |
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pocket money for souvenirs |
All costs incurred in China (accommodation, internal travel, food, language classes and cultural activities) are covered by Hanban.
For further essential information on both courses, including bursaries and risk assessments, please click here
Please click here for further information on the Language Immersion Courses and the Summer Camps.
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