The Kanji Kings

Authors: Ridwan, Theo and Sekyi  

Editor: Dylan

Learning a language is complicated but for these dedicated students, 4 years of hard work and dedication paid off when the Year 11 students passed their final exams; for the Japanese Excellence Programme, (the Kanji Kentei Exam) and for the Mandarin Excellence Programme, (the Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì Exam that is more commonly known as the Chinese Level Test).

The HSK is for people from a background that doesn’t originally speak Mandarin. It tests communication skills in Mandarin in their public lives as well as studies and work. Chinese universities also require HSK certification for international students to study Chinese-spoken programs. 

The Kanji Kentei is required for all Japanese people but for others, it is a test with the most straightforward level having an 80% pass rate for native speakers (those who probably have more than five years of experience and are surrounded by Japanese-speaking people). It also has an impressive 70% minimum requirement for passing.

At first, our journalists interviewed some individuals who had achieved a passing grade. Their responses were similar: learning a language is a difficult but rewarding endeavour. For example, Japanese students were not able to go to Japan because of the Covid-19 pandemic; instead, they went to Chaucer College in Canterbury to interact with native Japanese school students instead. One of the students said that the HSK exams were “exciting and intense,” but as you can see, the smiles on their faces show triumph.  

A Well-Deserved Reward

On the 30th of October 2022, the successful Year 11 students attended the awards ceremony in the Jefferson Lecture Theatre. The event was filled with traditional songs, laughter and memories of the eventful four years together learning the complicated Asian languages; Japanese and Chinese Mandarin. After an emotional gathering of all of the students, they were treated to some biscuits and juice before the ceremony began. 

The boys made it clear that they truly enjoyed their time together despite the missed opportunities due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. They each were given their own certificates and the journalists at the event took a photo of all the participants as seen above. 

To entertain the students, Chinese musician Joanna Qui began the ceremony with a lively performance. After a warm, welcoming speech from Mr Metcalf, Dr Lin introduced two of her students who gave a presentation on their journey participating in the Mandarin Excellence programme and proceeded to read a Chinese poem. To conclude the MEP award ceremony, Victor Wu (a teacher trainer and Professional Development Coordinator at UCL), presented our triumphant students with their well-deserved certificates.

Next was the JEP ceremony which began with traditional Japanese music performed by Mr Hibiki Ichikawa and Ms Akari Mochizuki to lighten the mood. Then, Mr Chow gladly described his emotional years teaching the Japanese Excellence Programme class. Some of the JEP students also gave speeches about their eventful time together and read out a Japanese poem. To conclude the Japanese ceremony, Mr Shinichi Tanaka, (Director of the Japan Foundation) awarded the certificates to the model students.

The brilliant achievements made by these impressive year 11s should be an inspiration to work hard and persevere whether it is the IB Diploma, GCSE exams or just your common MYP test because results will surely come.

- The Year 11 Students During The Ceremony

"Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come." 

- Dwayne Johnson