12-week Chinese Painting Course

Open to people from all walks of life, including university staff, students and the general public.
 
Chinese Painting
Wednesdays, 7:00 -9:00pm, Wednesday 12th February 2025 - 21st May 2025
Venue: Bartolome House, Room BLG06
 
Please wear comfortable clothing that isn't too loose and be mindful of the risk of spillages.
 
Chinese painting, known as "Guóhuà," is a venerable art form that dates back to the Neolithic age. It's a dance of subtlety and strength, where every brushstroke carries the weight of history and every ink wash speaks a language of its own. Unlike Western painting, it's not just about replicating the world on paper but about capturing its essence, its spirit.

In this art form, artists use brushes, ink, and rice paper or silk to create landscapes, floral scenes, and portrayals of animals that are more than just depictions; they are expressions of the artist's inner world, philosophical insights, and a deep connection with nature.

**Payment of the course fee will also qualify students to receive a dedicated painting kit to aid in the execution of the course, which will consist of paint, painting pads and paper, brushes and other assorted items, all contained within the course price.**

About the instructor:

Tao Ting has taught and collaborated with the Sheffield Confucius Institute and schools and educational platforms all across the South Yorkshire area. She has many years of experience engaging in and teaching the art of Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Cancellation Terms: 

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

More Information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/chinese-painting-classes

Our acclaimed Tai Chi class which explores Qigong and training in the Chen style of Tai Chi is ready to welcome you. Come and shake off the stress of daily life with us!

Open to people from all walks of life, including university staff, students and the general public.

Course information:
Duration: 12 weeks
When: Thursday evenings, 7-8pm
Date: Commencing Thursday 13th February 2025
Where: Workroom 2, The Diamond, 32 Leavygreave Road, Sheffield S3 7RD

Please wear loose and comfortable sportswear, including sports shoes or flat-soled shoes. These courses involve physical exercise: remember to inform the instructor about any health issues in advance, and bring along a bottle of water.
 
This class allows you to master some basic moves of Tai Chi, a martial art form extremely popular both in China and abroad. A typical daily exercise for many Chinese people, this calm yet powerful form of training is well known for its beneficial effects on health, coordination and the ability to focus.

About the instructor:
Tao Ting has taught and collaborated with the Sheffield Confucius Institute and schools and educational platforms all across the South Yorkshire area. She has many years of experience engaging in and teaching the art of Chinese painting, calligraphy, and Tai Chi.

Cancellation Terms:

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

More Information:  https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/tai-chi-course

Available by collection in-person, no posting service.

Books can only be purchased by current learners at Sheffield Confucius Institute, for either adult learners or young leaners. Please note: books can only be collected in-person. No posting service is provided. (You can always purchase books on the market, where postage can be included.)

1. For 12-week Mandarin Language courses, adult learners

(1). HSK Standard Coursebook, priced for one volume, Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4-1, Vol 4-2. 

 (2). HSK Standard Workbook, priced for one volume, Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4-1, Vol 4

( 3). Chinese in Steps, Volume 1-4, priced for one volume and subject to availability.

2. For young learners at the Star Mandarin School

 (1). My First Chinese Reader, priced for one volume, Vol 1-4

 (2).Chinese Paradise, priced for one volume, Vol 1-3

 (3). Kuaile Hanyu, priced for one volume, Vol 1-2

 (4). Youer Hanyu, Vol 1-4, four volumes together.

 (5). Zhongwen Textbook + Workbook A and B, priced for one volume, Vol 1-12

 (6) . Easy Steps to Chinese, Volume 1-3, priced for one volume and subject to    availability.

Please add your selected textbook to the basket. At Questionnaires, we collect information on the "Learner's Name" and "Which Volume."

Upon completing a purchase, you can collect your order of the book at the CI office located at 2-4 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE. Alternatively, for adult learners, book collection is also available on the first evening of your course, week 1, at Bartolome House, School of Law, where your course is held. In addition, for young learners, book collection can be available when the Star School is open on Saturdays.

Please be aware that no posting service is provided for the books. Basically, you can always purchase these books on the market, where postage can be included. 

*** Our appreciation:***
 After finishing your course, we welcome your donation of textbooks back to the office if you no longer need them. However, please note that no refunds will be given for returned books.

This course is ideal for people who want to communicate with Chinese speakers in business settings. The contents of this course are suitable for business professionals and business school students. The 12-week course provides a foundation in speaking, listening, reading and writing, with an emphasis on speaking and listening at the Beginners level and elementary level to establish rapport with native Chinese speakers, reading and writing from the Elementary level onwards. Each level features a talk by a guest speaker adding practical context to the language-learning.

Course dates: 10th February – 23rd May 2025, 12-week course.
Time: 6:30-8:30PM

Please note: There will be a break in classes from 7th-27th April 2025 for the Easter holidays.

Levels: The course will be available in two levels, Beginners (Wednesdays) and Elementary (Thursdays).

Beginners: Those who have no prior knowledge of Chinese with a business orientation.

Course content: Topics cover presenting yourself and your business, as well as establishing business relationships.
Each topic is introduced in a two-hour learning session. With sufficient self-study, learners are expected to reach HSK 1/ CEFR level A1.

Elementary: Those with HSK 1 equivalent, i.e., 150 vocabulary.

Course content: Topics cover working with a partner and promoting your business and your products. By the end of course, students will have covered the following topics:
Each topic is introduced in a two-hour learning session. With sufficient self-study, learners are expected to reach HSK 2/ CEFR level A2.

Location: All courses will be held at Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S3 7ND. Please refer to the timetable on our website for your specific classroom.

Course fees: An Early bird (EB) discounted rate is available on bookings received by Friday 17th January 2025. After this date the standard fees will apply.

As a special Christmas gift, we’d like to offer our current and past students a special deal.  Sign up for our Business Chinese course and enjoy 20% off when you register before Friday 20 December 2024.

Early bird Fees: For NEW students ONLY
General public: £162
Concessions (Over 60's and University of Sheffield staff & students): £144

Christmas Deal 20% off - for current and past students ONLY
General public: £144
Concessions (Over 60's and University of Sheffield staff & students): £112

Standard Fees:
General public: £180
Concessions (Over 60's and University of Sheffield staff & students): £160

We aim to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture over the Spring semester, tailored to meet your specific needs with a diverse range of topics.

For any inquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] Tel: 07593502130

For more information, please visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/mandarin

Cancellation Terms:

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

In-person and internet-based tests at the University of Sheffield

The Chinese Proficiency Tests HSK/ HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is an international standardised Chinese language test to measure the ability of non-native Chinese speakers to communicate in Chinese in daily lives, academic and working settings.

The HSK (listening, reading and written) and HSKK (Speaking) exams can be taken separately.

The test is OPEN to individuals of ALL ages, and we welcome test takers from all locations, including those outside of Sheffield.

Further details can be found at:  https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/proficiency-tests

Test date: Sunday 9 March 2025
Registration Deadline (via chinesetest.cn): Friday 21st February 2025, 11:59PM GMT
Payment deadline (via the Online Store): Tuesday 25th February 2025, 11:59PM GMT

** Test time on the day **
HSK1, HSK3 and HSK 5, at 13:30 (login onto the test PC at 13:00).
HSK2, HSK4 and HSK 6, at 09:00 (login onto the test PC at 08:30).
HSKK Basic, Intermediate & Advanced at 16:30 (login onto the test PC at 16:00).

* Test Venue: Computer Room 4, The Diamond, University of Sheffield, S3 7RD *

To register for your chosen exam, please ensure you complete the below two steps:

1. Register for your chosen exam via chinesetest.cn before the registration deadline.
2. Make the required exam fee payment through the University Online Store before the payment deadline.

In the final week before the exam, we will generate your Exam Admission Card. It is your responsibility to check your test level and personal details for any necessary amendments and inform us promptly.

Please ensure you bring your Admission card with you on the exam day. You will receive your login password on the day of the exam.

Please ensure you arrive at the Exam venue at least 20 minutes before the exam. This is to allow ample time to log in to your computer and complete the required ID checks.

Remember to bring the identification specified during your registration, such as your passport. Failure to do so may result in denied entry.

*** Cancellations/Refunds *** 
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible (email: [email protected]). 
- If you cancel your registration before the registration deadline, you will receive a full refund;
- If you cancel your registration after the registration deadline, no refund will be given.
- If you are unable to attend the exam(s) on the exam day, no refund will be given.

Mandarin Chinese Courses, Spring Semester 2025

Open to all levels of Mandarin language abilities.

Course dates: 10th February – 23rd May 2025, 12-week course.
Time: 6:30-8:30PM

Please note: There will be a break in classes from 7th-27th April 2025 for the Easter holidays.

Levels:
* Beginners 1, Tuesdays
* Beginners 2, Mondays
* Elementary 1, Tuesdays
* Elementary 2, Mondays
* Pre-Intermediate 1, Tuesdays
* Pre-Intermediate 2, Mondays
* Intermediate 1, Tuesdays
* Intermediate 2, Mondays
* Advanced 1, Tuesdays
* Advanced 2, Mondays

Location: All courses will be held at Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S3 7ND. Please refer to the timetable on our website for your specific classroom.

Course fees: An Early bird (EB) discounted rate is available on bookings received by Friday 17th January 2025. After this date the standard fees will apply.

As a special Christmas gift, we’d like to offer our current and past students a special deal.  Sign up for our 12-week Mandarin course and enjoy 20% off when you register before Friday 20 December 2024.

Early bird Fees: for NEW students ONLY
General public: £126
Concessions (Over 60's and University of Sheffield staff & students): £108

Christmas Deal 20% off - for current and past students ONLY
General public: £112
Concessions (Over 60's and University of Sheffield staff & students): £96

Standard Fees:
General public: £140
Concessions (Over 60's and University of Sheffield staff & students): £120 

We aim to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture over the Spring semester, tailored to meet your specific needs with a diverse range of topics.

For any inquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] Tel: 07593502130

For more information, please visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/mandarin

Cancellation Terms:  

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Aiming high and meeting your needs.

Tailored to meet individual learning objectives, our one-to-one private Mandarin tuition can be available throughout the year.

Before registering, please reach out to us to discuss your aims, objectives, mode of participation, and preferred time for regular sessions. You can choose 1 hour per week, two sessions of 1 hour per week, or 2 hours per week. We will check our teachers' availabilities to accommodate your preferences.

Upon completing registration and payment of fees, and if you are new to us, a complimentary meeting should be scheduled to assess your unique learning requirements. This meeting, lasting up to one hour, is provided free of charge and aims to formulate a personalised program before the start of the first private tuition session.

Mode of Participation: Sessions can be delivered either in-person or online. If it is in-person, the place will be the Confucius Institute office, located at 2-4 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE.

Course Fees:
•    Fees for a minimum of 10 hourly sessions are £300 (at a rate of £30/h).
•    Fees for 33 hourly sessions are £900 (at a rate equivalent to £27.3/h).

Contacting us:
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone: 0114 2228332 / 07593502130

For more information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses

- Open to children attending Sheffield Schools only

1. Introduction
The Confucius Institute Star Mandarin School is a Learning Destination where the children/young people can earn CU award credits because of their extracurricular studies with us. We provide Mandarin Chinese, Maths and Arts tuition at Bartolome House, School of Law, the University of Sheffield, over the weekends.

2. What is CU award credits?
Sheffield Children's University (CU) is part of Sheffield City Council, and is now working in partnerships with the University of Sheffield (UoS) and Hallam University, to encourage children and young people to develop essential life skills by takin part in learning activities outside school hours.
One credit is awarded for each hour of learning that takes place. These are then converted into awards:
Bronze (30 hours), Silver (65 hours), Gold (100 hours)… CU Degrees (400 hours) … CU Master Degrees (800 hours) … and these continue right up to 1000 hours!

3. Why do we join CU Credits?
Sheffield Research shows that children who take part in CU activities:
• do better at school
• achieve higher results in SATs and GCSEs
• exceed expected results
• make more progress than other children
They also tend to have more confidence, motivation, and higher self-esteem.

4. How to collect CU Credits?
(1). Your child may have already enrolled for the CU through their local school. Ask in your child’s school if they are subscribed to Sheffield Children’s University.
(2). If not, get enrolled through the Star Mandarin School. Buy a CU Passport to Learning for £3 at the Star School through the university online shop:
You will then collect the CU Passport to Learning at the Star School (Bartolome House, School of Law) on Saturdays.
(3). You may already registered your child for the CU at the Star School before the Covid-19. Please register a CU Passport to Learning for £0 at the Star School through the university online shop.
You must bring your previous CU Passport to Learning to us for a checking at the Star School.

5. Consent and Signature: Permission will be given by Parent/Carer for name, date of birth and school to be recorded by Sheffield City Council so CU credits can be awarded.

For more information please visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/children

Interested in learning Chinese? Immerse yourself in this essential language learning experience tailored for real-life situations.

•    Designed as an intensive 10-hour crash course, it caters to learners with little or no prior knowledge of Mandarin.
•    Offered twice a year, it is held just before the 12-week courses start to allow progression onto those courses for interested parties.

Course materials: The course features a flavourful introduction to the Mandarin language, covering essential words and expression for everyday usage of the language, such as greetings, shopping, making an appointment, getting to places, checking in and out of a hotel and ordering food, and so on. The course uses materials developed by the CI, and handouts will be provided.

Course Duration: The upcoming Survival Chinese course will take place from Mon-Fri, 3rd-7th February 2025, 6:30-8:30pm. totalling 10 contact hours. 

Venue: Room DB09. Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S3 7ND.

Course Fee:
The course is priced at £70 (General public) or £60 (Concession for senior citizens and University of Sheffield staff and students).

Registration deadline:
Registration for Survival Chinese will close at 12:00pm (midday) on Monday 3rd February 2025.

Open to all levels of Mandarin language abilities.

We aim to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture over the Spring semester, tailored to meet your specific needs with a diverse range of topics.

For any inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07593502130 

For more Information, please visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/mandarin

Cancellation Terms:

Refunds for Survival Chinese course fees can be processed prior to the start of the course.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.