New English Curriculum for Chinese Primary Schools and Junior/Senior Middle SchoolsExperimental Version drafted by the Education Ministry of the PRCNote on this translationThis English version of Chinas new curriculum for English is intended for VSO volunteers who would like to feel better informed about a document that is central to our work. However, it should in no way be regarded as an official translation. In fact, it is neither a word for word translation nor a summary. The appendix to the original, which includes lists of specific language items to be mastered, has been omitted, as have some level descriptors and sample learning activities. Despite trying to make it more readable, this version reflects the repetitive nature of the original, with the same key words cropping up over and over again. Volunteers should also refer to the more official (but still not completely official!) translation of the new English curriculum specifically for senior middle schools available from the Programme Office. Any feedback on this version would be welcome.Tim MartinShaanxi Institute of Education, October 2005 Part 1: Introduction With the advent of the information age and the global economy, English has become increasingly important. English is the dominant carrier of information and the most widely spoken language in the world. Many countries have made English a cornerstone of quality education when developing strategies for basic education. Since Chinas reform and opening, the scale of its English education has continually grown, attended by significant achievements in teaching and learning. However, English education in its current form is failing to meet the needs of contemporary social and economic development. The current round of reforms to the English curriculum aim to end the following practices:l Over-emphasizing the transmission and explanation of knowledge about grammar and vocabularyl Neglecting to develop students ability to use language for realIn their place, the reforms aim to establish a curriculum that: l Develops students comprehensive language competencel Motivates students, is relevant to their life experiences and cognitive levell Promotes task-based teaching methodsl Involves students in experiential, practical, participatory and cooperative learningl Develops students positive attitudes, thinking skills, practical abilities, cultural awareness and autonomy through the language learning process1. The Nature of the New CurriculumThe new English curriculum strives to accomplish far more than just help students learn English. At one level learning English should involve helping students to:l Develop a certain level of comprehensive language competence and the ability to use language for real communicationl Master certain basic language knowledgel Master listening, speaking, reading and writing skillsHowever, at another level the curriculum should also serve students all-round development, providing them with opportunities to:l Strengthen their interest in studying Englishl Grow in self-discipline, perseverance and self-confidencel Improve their cooperative, investigative and thinking abilities l Develop their memory, imagination and creativity l Adopt good study habits and effective learning strategiesl Develop as autonomous and lifelong learnersl Build moral integrity and a healthy outlook on lifel Establish both national spirit and an awareness of and respect for cultural differencesl Broaden their horizons and enrich their life experiencel Take part in cultural lifel Develop as individuals2. Basic Principles of the New CurriculumThe curriculum promotes quality education (as opposed to exam-orientated education) and the all-round development of the studentsTo promote quality education particular attention must be paid to:l Valuing each students feelingsl Stimulating students interest in studying Englishl Helping students gain a sense of achievement and self-confidenceThe curriculum must go beyond developing students comprehensive language competence to include areas such as: l Improving students ability to contribute to cultural and social lifel Developing students practical abilitiesl Fostering students creativityThe curriculum objectives are holistic and flexible.The fundamental aim of the new English curriculum is to develop students comprehensive language competence. This aim is broken down into five general objectives. These objectives are then divided into nine ability levels with descriptors provided for each level. The five general objectives are: 1. Language Skills2. Language Knowledge3. Attitudes to Learning4. Learning Strategies5. Cultural AwarenessThis design allows students to progress systematically through each level whilst meeting the full range of the curriculums demands. Students are put at the centre of the curriculu