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Pupils Given Chance to learn Mandarin Chinese
12/11/07
Schools across the UK will be able to teach Mandarin Chinese from today as part of an education programme launched ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Secondary pupils can learn basic Mandarin, while funding is available for head teachers to hold workshops in kung fu and Beijing opera.
As part of the project announced by the charity China Now, primary school teachers can also download free teaching packs that include lessons for primary pupils in counting to ten in Mandarin and creating artwork ahead of Chinese New Year in February.
Head teachers in primary schools can apply to hold one of more than 100 workshops. Instead of kung fu and opera, primary-aged youngsters can learn Chinese face-painting and calligraphy.
The unspecified amount of money for the workshops has been put up by HSBC, while the Norton Rose Group is paying for universities to hold Chinese-themed festivals.
The successful applicants will be announced next month, the charity said.
As well as the education programme, China Now is running more than 800 events across the UK before the Olympics start next August.
Simon Heale, chief executive of China Now, said: “Considering the growth of the Chinese economy and its importance in the world, educating people in the UK on its culture and history is vital.
“China Now is launching this education programme, which showcases the best of Chinese culture, to bring some of the excitement and atmosphere of modern China to classrooms throughout the UK.
“Our aim is to 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.”
Dame Mary Richardson, chief executive of HSBC Global Education Trust, said:
“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.”
Secondary pupils can learn basic Mandarin, while funding is available for head teachers to hold workshops in kung fu and Beijing opera.
As part of the project announced by the charity China Now, primary school teachers can also download free teaching packs that include lessons for primary pupils in counting to ten in Mandarin and creating artwork ahead of Chinese New Year in February.
Head teachers in primary schools can apply to hold one of more than 100 workshops. Instead of kung fu and opera, primary-aged youngsters can learn Chinese face-painting and calligraphy.
The unspecified amount of money for the workshops has been put up by HSBC, while the Norton Rose Group is paying for universities to hold Chinese-themed festivals.
The successful applicants will be announced next month, the charity said.
As well as the education programme, China Now is running more than 800 events across the UK before the Olympics start next August.
Simon Heale, chief executive of China Now, said: “Considering the growth of the Chinese economy and its importance in the world, educating people in the UK on its culture and history is vital.
“China Now is launching this education programme, which showcases the best of Chinese culture, to bring some of the excitement and atmosphere of modern China to classrooms throughout the UK.
“Our aim is to 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.”
Dame Mary Richardson, chief executive of HSBC Global Education Trust, said:
“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.”
