Written question asked by Jane Griffiths (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 November 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what plans he has to encourage the teaching of Mandarin in schools. - Inc figures.

Answer: Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to encourage the teaching of Mandarin in schools. [138804] Jacqui Smith: There has been a steady expansion in learning of Mandarin Chinese in the Specialist Language Colleges sector, where around a third (31 institutions) offer accredited courses to `A' Level. However, many more offer `enrichment'--courses that are non-accredited but which give pupils enhanced learning opportunities. These can take the form of masterclasses, links with other colleges involving the sharing of teaching materials, exchanges and study visits. The Government are also supporting a £50,000 pilot project for the teaching of Mandarin at the Djangoly CTC. We recognise the importance of young people having access to languages like Mandarin in developing trade and cultural links with China.

Secondary information