Upton-by-Chester High School students in final of Mandarin Chinese competition

Students at Upton-by-Chester High School have been selected to take place in a national speaking competition in London in February.

The pupils will compete in the HSBC/British Council Mandarin Chinese Speaking Competition at the British Museum against 30 other teams.

The language has been taught at the school over the past four years and the first cohort of students sat their GCSE papers last summer.

Some students have chosen to continue with A-level Mandarin and view this competition as an opportunity to boost their confidence prior to examinations.

If students are successful, they will spend a week in Beijing paid for by the British Council and will visit historical sites and interact with local students.

Related:Upton High presented with International School Award by British Council

Teacher of Mandarin Li-Hua Granville said: “I am immensely proud of my students’ achievement.

“It was a pleasure to watch their confident and entertaining presentation in Mandarin in front of such a large audience.

“I wish them all the best in the national final in London.”