At Wellington College International Shanghai, English is the official language of instruction Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core subject throughout the College. The Chinese learning programme at our Shanghai international school is mandatory for all pupils until year 9, and most choose to continue with Mandarin studies until they graduate. We offer courses in Chinese language and culture for pupils at every level, with tailored pathways for every learner. This approach aligns with our mission to develop well-rounded and internationally-minded learners, connectors, and changemakers.
Chinese Learning Programme Pathways
The Chinese learning programme in our Shanghai international school is carefully structured to meet the needs of all Mandarin language proficiency levels. To ensure our pupils get the most out of their coursework, we thoroughly assess their abilities and place them in classes accordingly.
Chinese Learning Programme for Year 1-9
At our Shanghai international school, learning Mandarin Chinese is compulsory from year 1 through year 9. Our Chinese learning programme offers 3 core courses
• Foreign language: For beginners
• Second language: For intermediate learners
• First language: For native speakers
We also offer elective courses in Chinese culture as part of the Chinese language programme at our Shanghai international school, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding and appreciation of China's rich heritage.
Chinese Learning Programme for Year 10-11
As pupils progress into years 10 and 11, they can choose to continue with the Chinese learning programme at our Shanghai international school via the foreign, second, or first language courses. This learning path ultimately leads to pupils obtaining the relevant Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese exam qualifications.
Our Chinese learning programme for Years 10-11 will also incorporate enrichment materials aligned with the IB Diploma Programme to prepare students for future studies.
Chinese Learning Programme for IB Pupils (Year 12-13)
Pupils taking the IB programme at our Shanghai international school can choose to take our more advanced Mandarin ab initio, Chinese B, or Chinese A courses at Standard or Higher Level. Our dedicated teachers will guide pupils every step of the way, including the Extended Essay component and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements.
Outstanding Results and Achievements
Wellington Shanghai pupils who undergo our Chinese learning programme consistently excel in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Our Secondary School Chinese Debate Team regularly earns accolades at prestigious competitions like Zongheng Cup, National Championships, and the Chinese Cup.
In 2024, 85% of the cohort attained top A/A* grades in the IGCSE exams, while 87% of graduates scored 6 or above in the IB exams, with some even achieving perfect scores.
Building Global Citizens
Wellington College International Shanghai's immersive Chinese learning programme is more than rigorous academics; it is a gateway to a wider world. Pupils who graduate from our Shanghai international school gain fluency in Mandarin and develop the cultural competence that will serve them wherever life takes them. We are proud to help shape the next generation of global citizens, ready to connect, lead, and make a difference.













At Wellington College International Shanghai, English is the official language of instruction Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core subject throughout the College. The Chinese learning programme at our Shanghai international school is mandatory for all pupils until year 9, and most choose to continue with Mandarin studies until they graduate. We offer courses in Chinese language and culture for pupils at every level, with tailored pathways for every learner. This approach aligns with our mission to develop well-rounded and internationally-minded learners, connectors, and changemakers.
Chinese Learning Programme Pathways
The Chinese learning programme in our Shanghai international school is carefully structured to meet the needs of all Mandarin language proficiency levels. To ensure our pupils get the most out of their coursework, we thoroughly assess their abilities and place them in classes accordingly.

Chinese Learning Programme for Year 1-9
At our Shanghai international school, learning Mandarin Chinese is compulsory from year 1 through year 9. Our Chinese learning programme offers 3 core courses
• Foreign language: For beginners
• Second language: For intermediate learners
• First language: For native speakers
We also offer elective courses in Chinese culture as part of the Chinese language programme at our Shanghai international school, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding and appreciation of China's rich heritage.
Chinese Learning Programme for Year 10-11
As pupils progress into years 10 and 11, they can choose to continue with the Chinese learning programme at our Shanghai international school via the foreign, second, or first language courses. This learning path ultimately leads to pupils obtaining the relevant Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese exam qualifications.
Our Chinese learning programme for Years 10-11 will also incorporate enrichment materials aligned with the IB Diploma Programme to prepare students for future studies.
Chinese Learning Programme for IB Pupils (Year 12-13)
Pupils taking the IB programme at our Shanghai international school can choose to take our more advanced Mandarin ab initio, Chinese B, or Chinese A courses at Standard or Higher Level. Our dedicated teachers will guide pupils every step of the way, including the Extended Essay component and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements.
Outstanding Results and Achievements
Wellington Shanghai pupils who undergo our Chinese learning programme consistently excel in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Our Secondary School Chinese Debate Team regularly earns accolades at prestigious competitions like Zongheng Cup, National Championships, and the Chinese Cup.
In 2024, 85% of the cohort attained top A/A* grades in the IGCSE exams, while 87% of graduates scored 6 or above in the IB exams, with some even achieving perfect scores.

Building Global Citizens
Wellington College International Shanghai's immersive Chinese learning programme is more than rigorous academics; it is a gateway to a wider world. Pupils who graduate from our Shanghai international school gain fluency in Mandarin and develop the cultural competence that will serve them wherever life takes them. We are proud to help shape the next generation of global citizens, ready to connect, lead, and make a difference.











