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Learning about China
13/02/2009
Pupils in East Dunbartonshire are set to learn about China following the opening of a new Confucius Classroom Hub.
The Hub is based at St Ninian's High School, Bishopbriggs, recognised for its outward-looking approach as winner of the International School's Award at the 2008 Scottish Education Awards. As Scotland steps up its engagement with China, this is the fifth of eight Confucius Classroom Hubs being opened across the country.
The East Dunbartonshire Confucius Classroom Hub will provide the area with a central learning point for Chinese culture, language, heritage, history, art, food, music and sport. The Hub will offer young people a stimulating and engaging way to gain the skills needed to succeed in a global society.
Opening the new facility, Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years said:
"We want our young Scots to develop an outward-looking perspective, so this Confucius Classroom Hub presents an excellent opportunity for children in East Dunbartonshire to learn about China. The international importance of China and its impact on Scotland will continue to increase, therefore it makes sound sense to embed this learning early in life.
"St Ninian's High School offers an excellent base for the new Confucius Hub, given the school's strong international focus. St Ninian's already has established links with partner schools in China, Japan and India and initiatives to ensure pupils are more proactive and aware of global issues.
"The school was recognised for this at last year's Scottish Education Awards, with the 2009 awards open for entry until February 27, 2009. I would encourage pupils, parents and teachers across Scotland to enter so that their school can be given credit for the good work taking place."
Further Confucius hubs have been opened in West Lothian (Bathgate Academy), Edinburgh (St George's School), Perth and Kinross (Perth High) and for East, North & South Ayrshire (Grange Academy). In the coming weeks three more are set to open: North Lanarkshire (Our Lady's High), Glasgow (Hillhead High), Aberdeen and North East (Hazlehead Academy).
The Scottish Education Awards is sponsored by the Scottish Government, with awards across 17 categories. The awards are open until 27 February, with the winners announced on June 16, 2009
St Ninian's curriculum has a strong international focus, celebrating the cultural diversity of the local community. Pupils have established links with partner schools in China, Japan and India, and formed a Justice and Peace Group to increase awareness and participation in global issues and debates. Through a World Challenge project pupils have visited China, Nepal, Australia, Mongolia, Tanzania and Madagascar.
In April 2008 the Scottish Government agreed a new Memorandum of Understanding with China. The focus of the memorandum is to strengthen educational co-operation between China and Scotland, support and promotes the development of Chinese language and culture and increase mutual understanding between the two countries.
Learning and Teaching Scotland and British Council Scotland are working with the Chinese authorities to enable at least 50 young people from Scottish schools to visit China this summer and take part in a Chinese Summer school. Further details will be announced when the negotiations have been finalised.