Whole new world as lessons put China in pupils' hands

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 10:28

HUNDREDS of pupils will have the chance to learn Chinese as Scotland's first Confucius classroom opens in the Capital today.

Seven city secondary schools will be the first to use the new facilities, which are based in the independent St George's School.

City education leaders believe enabling children to learn the Chinese language and culture will be a key skill for the 21st century.

The first state schools to be involved are Balerno, Firrhill, James Gillespie's, Currie, Leith, Trinity and Broughton.

Pupils at Balerno and Firrhill have already had experience of learning Chinese, and St George's School has been teaching the language since 1995, making it a part of its curriculum three years ago.

The school will host the first of several Confucius classrooms to be created throughout Scotland, in partnership with Learning and Teaching Scotland and The Hanban (The Office of Chinese Language Council International).

It will provide a broad scope for learning, including audio-visual aids, textbooks and specialist websites, but most importantly it will give pupils and teachers the chance to come together to share their experience.

Judith McClure, headteacher at St George's School and convener of the Scotland China Education Network, said: "International education is vital for today's global economy and the hub will give pupils the opportunity to work together to experience the rich possibilities of Chinese language and culture.

"It will be a lively place for learning and interaction and will allow teachers to share resources and good practice. The language is full of life and interest and so relevant in the 21st century."

Lord Provost George Grubb was set to officially open the new classroom today.

He said: "I am delighted to open this project, which is of personal great interest to me as the Lady Provost was born in Hong Kong and lived there until she left to go to university in Edinburgh in 1954."

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, the city's education leader, added: "This partnership will provide a fantastic opportunity for more school pupils in Edinburgh to learn Mandarin, which is fast becoming an internationally spoken language.

"It is essential that young people growing up in the 21st century today are educated about other major players in world affairs."