Copyright Mat Wright

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Key Stage 2 Chinese Language and Culture Immersion Courses

Applications for the summer 2011 KS2 Chinese Language & Culture Immersion Courses have now closed.

These courses, fully funded by the HSBC Global Education Programme and managed by the British Council, are an exciting opportunity for primary school students (Year 5) to learn Mandarin Chinese and experience some of the rich culture of China.

There will be two courses in summer 2011, one in Surrey (24-30 July) and one in Rutland (7-13 August). The courses are week-long residentials and are held at boarding schools.  There are 100 student places in total, and clusters of 2 or 3 primary schools in England or Wales, supported by their local authority, apply for 10 student places to be shared between them.  A local authority may only support one application, and each cluster must send an accompanying teacher with their 10 students.

For details of whom schools can contact in their local authority, please go to the Global Gateway website (http://www.globalgateway.org.uk/regionalsupport) or contact the China Schools team at chinaschools@britishcouncil.org

Aims of the courses

The aims of the courses are to:

•increase participating students’ understanding of and enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture, and thereby encourage them to continue studying them;

•build the skills of the accompanying teachers to deliver sessions on Chinese language and/or culture;

•increase the teaching of Chinese language and culture in the schools from which participating students have come, and for these schools to support those in their area to do the same.

What happens on the courses?

In the mornings, students enjoy Chinese language lessons led by experienced teachers of Chinese.  Topics include how to introduce themselves and their family, counting, colours and food and drink.  They also learn how to write some Chinese characters.

In the afternoons there are workshops where students take part in a range of cultural activities, such as lion dancing, opera mask painting and tai chi.  

The courses culminate in a final performance where the students showcase what they have learnt to their families.

How to apply

Before applying, interested schools should read the FAQs document carefully.  Completed application forms must be submitted to chinaschools@britishcouncil.org by 11 March 2011.

The hard copy of the form with all necessary original signatures must be posted to the address below to arrive by 18 March 2011:

Grant Awards, Programmes & Projects, British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2BN

Comments from the 2010 courses

"I feel very proud of myself and happy that I have tried and done lots of things that I would never think of." (Student at 2010 course)

“I have learned a lot on this course such as songs, Mandarin, tai chi, kung fu and music.” (Student at 2010 course)

“The course has given me lots of knowledge, ideas and confidence to implement Chinese throughout the school.” (Teacher at 2010 course)

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