What we teach
Mandarin Tutoring
Mandarin learners divide into two quite different groups — beginners building tones and characters from scratch, and heritage speakers who are fluent orally but need written accuracy. The teaching required is not the same.
We match tutors to which of those a student is, and plan accordingly: systematic character acquisition and tone work for one, formal register, composition and character precision for the other.
We cover IGCSE and A-Level Mandarin, IB Language B and Language A where appropriate, and general proficiency including HSK preparation.
Exam boards and qualifications we cover
- Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE & International A-Level
- Pearson Edexcel
- AQA
- IB Language B & Language A
- HSK
Syllabus coverage
What mandarin tutoring covers
Foundations
- Pinyin and tones
- Character components and radicals
- Stroke order and handwriting
- Core vocabulary building
Skills
- Conversation and pronunciation
- Listening technique
- Reading authentic texts
- Composition and register
In the lesson
What a lesson actually looks like
A diagnostic first lesson
The tutor works through a short set of problems to find where understanding actually breaks down — which is usually one or two topics earlier than the one causing trouble in class.
Teaching, then practice under exam conditions
Concepts are taught from first principles on the shared whiteboard, then applied to past-paper questions from the student's own board, timed and marked against the real mark scheme.
Feedback the student can act on
Each lesson ends with what went well, the specific technique to fix, and targeted practice before the next session. Parents get regular progress updates.
Mandarin tutoring starts from USD 15 per hour. See all plans.
FAQ
Mandarin tutoring — your questions
Is Mandarin realistic to start at GCSE level from scratch?
It is demanding but done regularly. The honest constraint is character volume: it requires consistent daily contact in a way that European languages do not, and a student who cannot commit to that will find the written papers hard however good the lessons are.
Do you teach simplified or traditional characters?
Both, matched to the student's course. Mainland-oriented syllabuses and HSK use simplified; Hong Kong and Taiwan contexts use traditional.
Other languages subjects
Find your mandarin tutor
Tell us the level and curriculum you're working towards — we'll match you with a specialist, usually within a day.