Confucius Classroom for Mandarin learners

All Hallows Catholic College have opened a ‘Confucius Classroom’.

Local MP, David Rutley, took part in the opening ceremony and helped cut the ribbon for the new facility, alongside All Hallow’s Headteacher, Mr Anthony Billings, and Ms Lucy Yang, Co-Ordinator of the University of Manchester’s Confucius Institute. Guests enjoyed a colourful and vibrant morning with songs performed in Chinese by All Hallows students, as well as entertainment from a Chinese dragon, and a Kung-Fu demonstration.

The classroom was funded by the Confucius Institute, thanks to All Hallows’ participation in its scheme designed to promote the teaching of Mandarin for pre-Key Stage Four students. The classroom is decorated in a traditional Chinese style, helping to create an environment that encourages students to enjoy learning Mandarin at school.

All Hallows has taught Mandarin since 2011, during which time the subject has gone from strength to strength. The first group of students to take GCSE Mandarin in 2015 achieved 88% A* – C grades, which was then exceeded last year with a 100% A* – B rate. Mandarin is also taught at five local primary schools, where around 350 students benefit from an early introduction to the language.

As well as new classroom, the School is partnered with School 85 in Xian, regarded by many as the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road. Students from All Hallows have enjoyed exchange trips with their peers in Xian, helping them to broaden their horizons and to build new links between Macclesfield and China, at either end of the Silk Road.

Speaking after the event, David said, “I was very impressed to see the new classroom and how seriously the College takes the study of Mandarin and Chinese culture, given the increasing importance of China to world trade and the global economy. It was also great to learn that the school is making the most of the opportunities presented by its participation in the Confucius Institute programme by partnering with Xian School 85, developing further links between Macclesfield and China, and building on the town’s rich silk heritage. I wish All Hallows further success with its Mandarin programme, and will continue to support it into the future.”