By Alexander Marcus ’30

Most students at WPGA learn a second language. About a quarter of the current Grade 8 class is learning Mandarin at WPGA. Many students will continue their Mandarin studies throughout high school. At WPGA, our Mandarin program is taught using HSK curricula and tests, and, in July 2026, HSK standards will change dramatically. This new system, HSK 3.0, will deepen vocabulary volume, communication requirements, and add new levels. But what is the HSK, how do these updates change the curriculum and test, and are we prepared?

What is the HSK?

HSK stands for Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, which translates as the Chinese Skills Test. It has been held regularly since 1992, in China as well as other countries. It is the most widely recognized Chinese language test. 

HSK 1.0 has been used since 1992. This system had three test formats and eleven levels. It was used until 2009; however, it was faulted for having too many obscure cultural and historical references. This led to the rise of HSK 2.0.

When HSK 2.0 came out in 2010, it had lower requirements (only six levels compared to eleven) and a gentle learning curve, which is why it has lasted until now. Its main fault is that it doesn’t correspond to other language systems such as the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Enter HSK 3.0, a revised system coming out in July.

What’s new in HSK 3.0?

The HSK 3.0 has stricter requirements. For example, in a student’s first year of learning Mandarin—HSK level 1—whereas they had to learn 150 vocabulary words in HSK 2.0 they will now have to learn double, 300 words in HSK 3.0.  HSK 2.0’s early levels don’t require handwriting components, whereas HSK 3.0 requires it from the start. These updates significantly increase the program’s workload and difficulty.

Can we, at WPGA, adapt to the HSK update?

For this question, we had to turn to an expert, our school’s very own Mr. Lei, who, for those of you who don’t know him, is our beloved senior school Mandarin teacher. Mr. Lei graciously agreed to an interview. Mr. Lei is a very private individual, and he kindly requested that his interview be kept private within our school community, so please refrain from sharing his personal information with social media.   

What is Mr. Lei’s experience with the school?

Mr. Lei has been at WPGA since 2000, which is 26 years.  Since he started, he has seen many upgrades to the school’s facilities. The dining hall used to be a covered space with no walls, and students would use the space to play hockey. The upper gym wasn’t there, and there were many renovations. Despite all these infrastructure updates, Mr. Lei observes that the most important change was the students, who have become better. Throughout all these developments, he is proud that the school’s goals have endured; to educate happy, knowledgeable, thankful, and honest students.

What does Mr. Lei value in a student?

Mr. Lei believes that each student is different, with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, he values students who work hard, focus, and complete assignments punctually. He also respects students who respect the teacher, each other, and their learning environment.

Are we prepared for this HSK update?

Mr. Lei believes we at WPGA have a good system that is adaptable to students’ needs as well as the upcoming HSK update. His classes will gradually shift, and he is confident the students will be supported adequately in this transition. He reflects that he used to teach his early classes the way he taught them in China, which has very homogenous requirements. He gradually began to personalize his course to adapt to his students’ needs. He split his classes into two groups. The “ordinary” students, who focus mainly on speaking and listening, and the “honours” students, who speak Mandarin at home. The honours, or accelerated, students work on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Mr. Lei finds that this enriches his program and enables him to meet the needs of two different kinds of students.

This summer, Mr. Lei is going to Ottawa for his eldest son’s wedding, so make sure to wish him well before he leaves.

Conclusion

While the HSK update’s new standards are daunting, Mr Lei is confident our school is prepared; we will adapt if needed and be able to meet the standards with confidence.