The Chinese Programme at CDNIS is a cornerstone of our identity as an international school in Hong Kong. We offer a uniquely rigorous Chinese programme, combining bilingual learning in the Lower School with differentiated Chinese pathways in the Upper School. This ensures every student, from complete beginners to near-native speakers, develops confidence and proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and cultural understanding. With a highly experienced and diverse teaching team, our programme recognises the wide range of linguistic backgrounds across our student body. We provide personalised learning pathways that support, challenge and inspire students at every level.
A Comprehensive Chinese Language Pathway From Early Years to Grade 12
Chinese is introduced from the earliest years at CDNIS as part of a whole‑school continuum, with learning that grows in depth and complexity as students advance through the PYP, MYP and DP.
The Lower School Bilingual Programme
A key feature of our Chinese provision is the English-Mandarin bilingual programme in the Lower School.
- Currently offered from Nursery to Grade 3 and growing one grade at a time until fully implemented through Grade 5 in 2028/2029
- Uses a dual‑language immersion model
- Students learn in both English and Mandarin as mediums of instruction
- Dedicated bilingual educators teach literacy, numeracy and inquiry in both languages
- Designed to build biliteracy, bicultural understanding and cognitive flexibility
This model creates a strong foundation for advanced Chinese study in the Upper School and supports students aiming for the IB Bilingual Diploma.
Two‑Stream Approach in the Upper School
To accommodate diverse learner profiles, CDNIS offers a flexible and personalised two‑stream system:
Non-Native Chinese Stream
- Mandarin Foundation Level
- Mandarin Standard Level
This pathway develops confident communicators who can participate in real‑world Mandarin interactions and progress meaningfully year after year.
Near-Native & Native Chinese Stream
For proficient or native‑like learners
- Mandarin B Higher Level
- Chinese A (in Mandarin), Higher Level & Standard Level
This route supports high level literacy and builds the advanced analytical and expressive language skills required for the IB Diploma Programme Chinese A and Mandarin B Higher Level.
Placement in either stream is based on language proficiency, previous learning experiences, and home-language exposure. Movement between streams is possible as students’ skills develop.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Culture in Action
At CDNIS, language learning is inseparable from cultural appreciation. Students deepen their understanding of Chinese culture through:
The After School Chinese Culture Academy (ASCCA) includes performing arts, calligraphy, storytelling and traditional games
Seasonal festivals, including our signature whole school Lunar New Year celebration
Cultural exchange opportunities, both local and international
Optional language immersion trips to Chinese speaking countries
Chinese Culture Studies specialist teachers teach literacy through Visual and Performing Arts within our Lower School Bilingual Programme
These experiences build not only linguistic proficiency but also a genuine appreciation for the culture, values and traditions that shape the Mandarin-speaking world.
What Sets the CDNIS Chinese Programme Apart
Continuum from Early Years to Diploma
A cohesive, age-appropriate progression aligned with PYP, MYP and DP frameworks.
Bilingual Pathway in the Lower School
A fully immersive, research based bilingual model in Nursery – Grade 3 (growing one grade at a time until fully implemented through Grade 5 in 2028/2029) unique among international schools in Hong Kong.
Flexible Two-Stream System in our Upper School
Personalised placement ensures optimal learning for beginners through to native equivalent speakers.
Pathway to the IB Bilingual Diploma
Advanced Chinese A option support academic excellence and global competitiveness.
Large, Expert Teaching Team
Specialists with deep experience in bilingual, second-language and native-speaker instruction.
Rich Cultural Life
Year-round events and exchanges cultivate students’ understanding of Chinese heritage and contemporary society.