Students in schools across Scotland are to be taught about China through an education programme which includes workshops, teaching aids, competitions and grants. The programme - supported by HSBC and Norton Rose Group - was launched earlier this month by China Now in Scotland as part of CHINA NOW, the UK's largest ever festival of Chinese culture.
The primary and secondary school programme, supported by HSBC, will enable primary school children to learn to count to ten in Mandarin, listen to ancient Chinese stories, learn how to write Chinese and participate in creative sessions where they will make lions, dragons and firecrackers to celebrate Chinese New Year. Secondary school children will learn to speak basic Mandarin, investigate traditional and contemporary Chinese art, study the geography of China and learn about Chinese history and culture.
Funding is also being provided for primary and secondary schools enabling them to apply for a range of exciting Chinese-themed workshops. The funding will include support for activities such as Chinese face-painting and calligraphy workshops in primary schools, as well as Beijing Opera workshops and Kung Fu training in secondary schools.
The programme, endorsed by the British Council and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, has been customised for Scottish schools by Learning Teaching Scotland. The programme will encourage awareness and understanding of Chinese culture in the Scotland's primary and secondary schools by providing teachers with free education packs, funding for Chinese arts, festivals and cultural events as well as nationwide competitions.
The education packs and workshop application forms can be downloaded from www.chinanow-inscotland.org.uk/education.htm
, Patron, China Now in Scotland commented: "China Now in Scotland aims to inspire, enthuse and educate people in Scotland about China. The growth and impact of the Chinese economy requires that our nation develop some understanding of China's culture, history and language. The resources available through this programme will leave a legacy of new and exciting education materials to help more schools learn about China, teach Chinese and work in partnership with Chinese schools. "
, Chief Executive of HSBC Global Education Trust commented: "The programme is an excellent initiative which enables young people to learn about the language and the wonderfully diverse Chinese culture. This programme is an exciting resource for young people and promotes international understanding, which is so important at this time."
Over 100 Workshops are available. To apply go to www.chinanow-inscotland.org.uk/education.htm where you will be able to select the top three preferences. Fill in application form and send it to CHINA NOW by 7 December. A decision will be made on 14 December and schools find out the following week.
The school will then be placed in direct contact with the organisation that is delivering their workshop. All workshops will take place during the CHINA NOW festival which begins with Chinese New Year on 7th February and ends with the opening of the Beijing Olympics in July.
This is for schools to organise their own China event. This could be to bring teachers over from partner schools in China, to only serve Chinese food in school for a week, or to create a big Chinese performance for parents e.g. a dragon dance. To apply, go to the website and fill in the application form, send it to CHINA NOW by 17th December . Successful schools will receive grants in January.
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