Leaving Certificate Mandarin Chinese is an ab initio language specification that helps students use Mandarin Chinese for communication while exploring the relationship between language and culture. It supports learners from a range of backgrounds, including beginners and heritage learners.
Students build confidence with tones, characters, vocabulary and communication in meaningful contexts. The course also develops awareness of themselves as language learners and of the cultural worlds connected with the language.
Mandarin Chinese is assessed at two levels. At Ordinary Level the assessment structure is Oral examination 30%, Aural examination 30%, Written examination 25% Reading and 15% Writing. At Higher Level the structure is Oral examination 35%, Aural examination 25%, Written examination 20% Reading and 20% Writing.
No separate new 2027 assessment change is currently confirmed on official sources. As of May 24, 2026, the published Mandarin Chinese specification remains the official course.
The official specification is organised into two inter-related and inter-dependent strands:
Higher and Ordinary Level through oral, aural and written assessment components.
Zr Academy offers Mandarin Chinese support in Dublin 2 and online for students who want clearer tones, stronger character work and more confident communication.
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