A SPECTACULAR ceremony, featuring performers in colourful Chinese costumes, has been held at Crickhowell High School to confirm the school’s new status as a Confucius Classroom.

The event cemented the growing links between the high school and the Confucius Institute which have developed since four Chinese artists from Shaanxi province visited the school in 2012.

The visit, which coincided with a growth of interest in Chinese languages and culture at the school, led to the appointment of a dedicated Mandarin teacher in Liang Lingsheng. The school has also since appointed Mr Yuhui Qin, a professional calligrapher, who teaches Mandarin, exercise and Chinese arts and crafts at three local primary schools.

As a consequence a GCSE Mandarin class is now offered by the school as well as after-school Mandarin lessons and a highly successful Chinese Calligraphy club. Every Year 7 pupil now learns Chinese as part of their academic timetable.

Keri Bosley, director of learning at Crickhowell High School’s Modern Foreign Langues department, explained that the goal of a Confucius Classroom is to strengthen the teaching of Chinese language and culture in foreign schools.

Keri said: “Crickhowell High School is delighted to be formally accredited as a Confucius Classroom, recognised by Hanban UK as a hub of learning for Mandarin language and Chinese studies.

“The Confucius Classroom is an excellent concept that will give students the chance not only to enhance their language skills, but also to enrich their lives by learning about China, its people and its culture.”