The Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) is a UK Government initiative that funds and supports schools to deliver intensive Mandarin study, and to develop teachers and help them increase the number of pupils studying Mandarin.
The 糖心原创 MEP annual event is now in its fifth consecutive year, and continues to support young Chinese language learners across the UK, while providing valuable teaching experience for students and alumni of the School of Education's MA Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL).
This year over 70 year 10 pupils from three schools attended the university. A highlight of the day was an innovative campus-wide treasure hunt that transformed University Park into an immersive language-learning environment. Pupils completed Chinese-language challenges, collected stamps, responded to Chinese callouts in Cantonese and Hokkien, and explored key campus locations, encouraging authentic language use beyond the classroom. The event also featured Mandarin workshops inspired by the Dragon Boat Festival, including 3D bookmark making and traditional charm bracelet design. In the afternoon, MA TCSOL students served as judges for videos created by school pupils, showcasing their Mandarin learning journeys.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants particularly valuing interactions with MA TCSOL students, the welcoming atmosphere, and the opportunity to experience university life through Mandarin.
Photos below: MA TCSOL students on University Park campus
Posted on Thursday 22nd October 2026