Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) introduces the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) certification, the gold standard in Mandarin proficiency assessment, into its Mandarin programme starting in September this year. ECiM has been accredited as an Authorised HSK Examination Centre, following a rigorous inspection by the Director of HSK in Malaysia.
The official launch of the HSK Mandarin Programme took place at Epsom College in Malaysia on 6 June 2017, where Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes (Chairman of the Board of Governors), Martin George (Headmaster) & Wen-Li Leighton (Head of Mandarin Department) gathered to introduce the programme and highlight the importance of English and Mandarin fluency.
“As a businessman, I am at a handicap for only speaking English. I think it is fantastic that the HSK certification is now offered at ECiM and it’s great that we are the first British School in Malaysia to do so. It is visionary to realise that we live in a changing world where the influence of Mandarin continues to grow, and if you have the ability to speak many languages then you are at a huge advantage,” said Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes.
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is a globally recognised Chinese language proficiency test that measures the ability of non-native Mandarin speakers. HSK Level 5 is the Mandarin language qualification required at top universities and companies in China.
“No one can doubt the importance of Mandarin as an international language of trade, diplomacy, politics and culture. By introducing HSK certification in a British education system, we are encouraging our pupils to develop fluency in Mandarin and English. Language skill development is vital for children’s confidence and ability to understand the world around them. We believe that a dual language emphasis is key to a complete education,” said Martin George, Headmaster of Epsom College in Malaysia.
The HSK Mandarin Programme is designed for reading, writing and speaking fluency in a British education system. Students get to immerse themselves in the Mandarin language, Chinese history, culture and still benefit from a British education through the English National Curriculum.
Year 7 - 9 students take 4.5 hours a week, while Year 10 - 11 students take 6 hours a week. ECiM is the only British School in Malaysia to offer HSK certification from Primary (HSK Level 1) all the way to A Levels (HSK Level 5 & 6).
This opportunity offers the best of both worlds – non-Mandarin speakers get enhanced Mandarin tuition and still follow the British curriculum, whilst students already fluent in Mandarin can advance their competency in the language and strengthen their English language proficiency in a British school.
For more info on Epsom College in Malaysia and details of the HSK Mandarin programme, please visit hsk.epsomcollege.edu.my.
