As Beijing prepares to host the 2008 Olympics, pupils at Hazlehead Academy are being provided with a fascinating insight into the heritage and contemporary culture of China, as part of a China Now in Scotland (CNIS) initiative to raise awareness and understanding among Scottish schoolchildren of the links between the two nations.

Part of CHINA NOW, a UK-wide programme to foster links with China, CNIS covers the length and breadth of Scotland and is being co-ordinated by the Confucius Institute for Scotland, based at Edinburgh University. The programme of more than 100 events is designed to explore and develop international connections between the two countries, from the boardroom to the classroom and beyond.

Hazlehead Academy is one of just nine Scottish schools selected to host CNIS-sponsored workshops as part of a comprehensive educational programme, produced in tandem with partners, including the British Museum and Chinese Arts Centre. The workshops cover a wide range of activities, including drama, dance, music, Tai Chi, story-telling and puppet making.
 

Representatives of the Glasgow-based Ricefield Gallery, visited the school on Monday 26^th May to provide 30 pupils from S1 to S3 with a taste of Chinese cultural life through a workshop which included Chinese Origami, Lantern making, Paper-cutting, Calligraphy and Painting.

Frances Christensen, project manager for CNIS, said: “It is hoped these workshops will provide the catalyst for schools which have not previously worked with China to begin doing so and help others already working with China to involve more students. Already more than 30 Scottish schools offer Chinese in their curriculum and, while 2008 is a key focus for us, with the support of key educational agencies and organisations, we hope to maintain and expand our programme of activities in Scotland to allow schools to work with China in 2009 and beyond.”