Listen
Young Scots set to visit China
20/02/2009
A group of Scottish pupils will undergo a Chinese immersion course this summer on a two and half week visit to China.
A total of 51 pupils and nine teachers will have the chance to learn Chinese and gain first-hand experience of Chinese culture. The study visit is being organised by Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) and the British Council, alongside the Hanban in China - the Office of Chinese Language Council International.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, made the announcement as she opened the new North Lanarkshire Confucius Classroom Hub at Our Lady's High School in Cumbernauld.
This is the sixth of eight hubs opening in Scotland, which offer central learning points for Chinese language and culture throughout Scotland.
Ms Hyslop said:
"We want our young people to have an international outlook with a clear understanding of Scotland's place in the world - a key element of Curriculum for Excellence - and the increasing influence of China on the global community.
"Therefore giving our young people the opportunity to learn about China early in life will set them up well for the future. The new Confucius Classroom Hubs, such as at Our Lady's High in Cumbernauld, offer fantastic facilities for learning about Chinese language, culture and traditions.
"Alongside the important role of the network of Confucius Classroom Hubs across Scotland, I'm pleased to announce that this summer a group of pupils and their teachers will visit China on a tailored Chinese immersion course.
"During their stay, pupils will receive 30 hours of intensive Mandarin language tuition and learn about Chinese customs and history through a range of cultural activities. Social interaction with Chinese young people is central to the success of the initiative and each pupil will be partnered with a Chinese family.
"This opportunity has only been made possible thanks to close collaboration with the Hanban in China, who will cover all of the in-country costs."
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive of LTS said:
"Understanding different countries and cultures is essential for youngsters growing up in a globalised society and Confucius Classrooms are helping prepare young people for life and work in the future.
"This study visit will allow young people to experience the language and culture they have been learning about for themselves, and put their skills and knowledge into practice. International education is a key part of learning in Scotland and through Curriculum for Excellence will continue to ensure Scottish children are developing the skills needed to learn and prosper in the 21st century."
Roy Cross, Director of British Council Scotland, added:
"This is a fantastic chance for young Scots to find out first-hand what it's like to live in a very different culture. The British Council is championing projects like these because we think there's no better way to prepare for life and work in today's global society."
Participants in the study visit to China will be drawn from the local authorities involved in the eight Confucius Classroom Hubs. Pupils will attend Chinese language classes during the mornings and undertake other cultural and learning activities during the afternoons. The Scottish Government, via Learning and Teaching Scotland, is making a substantial contribution to the costs of pupils' travel.
Further Confucius hubs have been opened in East Dunbartonshire (St Ninian's High), 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 two more are set to open: Glasgow (Hillhead High) and Aberdeen and North East (Hazlehead Academy).
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.
There are currently 13 Chinese Language Assistants working across seven local authorities in Scottish schools, a rise from eight last year. These assistants are qualified teachers and help schools in the learning and teaching of Chinese language and culture. This programme is managed by the British Council Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Learning and Teaching Scotland is the body responsible for the development and support of the curriculum in Scotland. LTS works in partnership with local authorities to support the establishment of Confucius Classrooms and develop international education in Scottish schools.
The British Council works in 110 countries and territories worldwide to build intercultural understanding between the UK and other countries through the arts, education and training, science and technology, sport, good governance and human rights.