Language Chinese – Grades 9–12
Course Overview
Summit’s Chinese program is a structured four-year sequence that leads students from beginner level to advanced fluency, preparing them for both the AP Chinese Language & Culture exam and HSK Level 6. The curriculum follows the official Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) levels and the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Students gain strong literacy in simplified Chinese characters, spoken fluency, intercultural understanding, and academic writing skills.
HSK Level 6 is the official Chinese government requirement for undergraduate university admission in China. This program guarantees thorough preparation for both the AP Chinese exam and the
Course Progression
| Grade | Course | Focus Areas | Target Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | Chinese 1 (HSK 1) |
Pinyin, sentence patterns, greetings, classroom language, family Reading and writing 150 characters, daily listening tasks |
ACTFL Novice High / HSK Level 1 |
| Grade 9 | Chinese 2 (HSK 2) |
Descriptions, routines, shopping, likes/dislikes, food and travel Expansion to 300 characters, short conversation practice |
ACTFL Intermediate Low / HSK Level 2 |
| Grade 10 | Chinese 3 (HSK 3) |
Dialogue fluency, experience sharing, paragraph writing, storytelling 600–700 characters; structured writing and listening strategies |
ACTFL Intermediate Mid / HSK Level 3 |
| Grade 10 | Chinese 4 (HSK 4) |
Social topics, opinions, past/future narration, academic vocabulary 1,200 characters; multi-paragraph writing and debates |
ACTFL Intermediate High / HSK Level 4 |
| Grade 11 | Chinese 5 (HSK 5) |
Argumentative speaking, news, literature, speech analysis, formal writing 2,500 characters; critical reading and structured essays |
ACTFL Advanced Low / HSK Level 5 |
| Grade 12 | Chinese 6 + AP Chinese (HSK 6) |
Cultural analysis, research skills, timed exam prep, long texts Over 5,000 characters; mastery of reading, writing, speaking, and listening |
ACTFL Advanced Low+ / HSK Level 6 / AP Chinese |
Instructional Methods
Instruction is conducted in Mandarin and emphasizes immersive practice through reading, conversation, writing, and listening. Students work with authentic Chinese-language resources, including official HSK and AP materials. Tasks include video narration, news analysis, speech writing, cultural comparisons, and extended essays. Mandarin is used as the primary language of instruction from Chinese 2 onward.
Assessment & Grading
| Assessment Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Speaking & Listening Tasks | 30% |
| Reading & Writing Assignments | 25% |
| Vocabulary & Grammar Quizzes | 15% |
| Cultural Projects | 15% |
| Participation & Homework | 15% |
Academic Vocabulary & Key Concepts
| Category | Key Terms | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Structures | Aspect markers, result complements, comparisons, conjunctions | Used in academic writing, storytelling, and formal speech |
| Lexical Fields | HSK vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, AP-level terminology | Applied in exam tasks, debates, cultural analysis |
| Exam Preparation | HSK 6, AP Chinese | Full mock exams, scoring rubrics, test simulations |