To support the district’s language program goals of high academic achievement, bilingual/biliteracy skills and global competence, VPS offers opportunities for continued Mandarin study for students who have completed the Mandarin Language Learning Program in elementary school and Mandarin Language Learning Pathway in middle school.

The Mandarin Language Learning Pathway is offered at Columbia River High School, home of the International Baccalaureate program. This school offers college-level coursework and a learning focus of international mindedness and global competence.

Students who do not reside within Columbia River’s boundaries must apply for a boundary exception. Boundary exceptions will be approved for Mandarin Language Learning Pathway students.

Pathway features

Cohort

Students continue their education alongside the peers with whom they started the program.

Dual credit

Dual credit opportunities are available through International Baccalaureate courses.

College credit

Students can earn college credit and higher placement in college courses

Communication

Students have opportunities to talk with native Mandarin speakers from other countries.

Seal of biliteracy

Students may earn a Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma.

Partnership

Partnerships with other language programs help shape the Mandarin Language Learning Pathway.

Travel

VPS is exploring partnerships to support student travel for learning purposes.

Global

Global virtual relationships and communication opportunities are available to students.

Columbia River High School

Students wishing to attend Columbia River High School to take Mandarin Chinese courses will be accepted at CRHS. If these students wish to enroll in the International Baccalaureate Program, they must apply separately to that program. Note that many CRHS students take IB courses without fully participating in the program. Students must earn 24 credits in order to graduate from high school.

Learn more about River

Classes offered

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Pre-B Mandarin Seminar: Investigating the World

This course, conducted entirely in Mandarin, is designed for ninth-grade students from the Mandarin Immersion and middle-school Mandarin Language Learning Pathway programs. The seminar setting will allow students to explore complex real-world issues, recognize a variety of perspectives and communicate their ideas while further developing their Mandarin language proficiency through conversations and interactions with native speakers. Students will apply their Mandarin language skills while developing research and investigatory skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, group process skills and problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

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Pre-B Mandarin Language Arts

This course will allow students to continue to improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The goal of this course is to prepare students for International Baccalaureate coursework. Students will communicate their ideas effectively with diverse audiences; gain judgments on local/global issues; and translate their ideas and findings into appropriate actions through conducting research, making inference and giving suggestions. Research and problem-solving skills will develop with language. With the aid of technology, students will be expected to search and read media publications in topics of interest, make summaries, take positions and edit information with peers.

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International Baccalaureate Mandarin Chinese 4

This course is a higher-level class addressing increasing complex language situations and interactions. Course objectives include more fluent communication and an increased emphasis on literature. This advanced course includes reading unabridged literature, refining skills in grammatical structure, expanding vocabulary and idiomatic usage, writing themes and participating in both prepared and spontaneous conversations. IB candidates may test at the end of the IB Level 4 course, although it is recommended students complete Level 5 prior to the IB Language B exam.

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International Baccalaureate Mandarin Chinese 5

This course is a continuation of the language development skills achieved in Level 4. IB candidates may test in the spring.

Occupational Credit Option Translation and Interpretation

Given our global economy, world direction and the diversity of our communities, knowing two languages not only allows for better communication with other people, but also opens doors to many new job opportunities. There is a need for certified interpreters and translators in many fields. In this class, students will develop consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills and become competent in the use of medical/technical, legal, educational and social services terminologies. Further, students will develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity issues inherent in interpretation and translation, ethical issues relevant to interpreters and code of conduct for interpreters. Finally, students will develop work-readiness skills and certification opportunities upon completion of the course!