In 2018, Woodrush became part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme; one of only 67 selected schools in the country.

This is an exciting opportunity for students to receive four hours of teacher-taught classroom lessons each week, with a native Mandarin speaker.

Students receive eight hours of study per week, and in addition to their lessons in school, have four hours of self-study and intensive study courses (in China and the UK).

Students in the programme are recruited in Year 6 based on recommendations from their teachers as to their suitability with regards ability and attitudes towards learning due to the intensive nature of the course.

The programme is organised by University College London, the British Council and the DfE, and they aim to have 5000 students enrolled by 2020 in a bid to increase the UKs Mandarin speakers.

30 students in Year 7 make up our first cohort which will be expanded each year as we roll the programme out to our newest Year 7 intake. Students and staff alike are thoroughly enjoying the programme which inspires and challenges both alike.

To find out more, click here.