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The China Experience
Scotland’s prosperity tomorrow may depend on pupils learning about the world’s rising economic superpower today, writes Judith McClure.

If we want our pupils to be confident and successful in the 21st century, we must ensure that they understand the rapid influence of China. We must teach them about this amazing country’s rich culture, history and society.

The population of China is 1.3 billion, it is the second largest country in the world and Chinese is the language spoken by far the most people. Its economy is growing dramatically and it is the largest producer of many manufactured goods.

"We must seize every opportunity on offer to be part of this great area of development for Scotland."

Everywhere in Scotland we can see growing links with China and how China’s growing economy affects our lives. Our scientists, business people and universities are all increasing their activities in China and our future prosperity will depend on how well we can continue this engagement and how well we raise the understanding of China in our schools.

China must be part of our curriculum and we should think seriously about the importance of teaching Chinese in Scotland’s classrooms. We must seize every opportunity on offer to be part of this great area of development for Scotland.

For us as teachers, the chances of continuing Professional Development are rich and diverse, from visits to China, links with Chinese schools and teachers, to enlarging our own understanding and knowledge of Chinese culture and history. We may not have 60 to 80 pupils in our classes, like some of our colleagues in China, but we have much to learn from the dedication of teachers in this remarkable Asian country.

Our own pupils will have their understanding of the world, its people and cultures incredibly expanded with lessons on this remarkable country. Let us hope that many of our pupils will be fascinated by Chinese pupils’ fluency in English and be motivated to learn another language. The teaching of Chinese is within our grasp and a number of Scottish schools have already begun to offer it to non-native speakers.

The Scotland China Education Network
Across Scotland, many teachers are trying to support each other to bring China into our schools. The Scotland China Education Network (SCEN) is a learning and support network, which includes schools from all over Scotland as well as individuals working in authorities and national agencies.

"Across Scotland, many teachers are trying to support each other to bring China into our schools."

The network aims to develop educational links between Scottish and Chinese schools to allow educators in both countries to support each other and share good practice. We are working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to develop a suite of qualifications in the Chinese language and culture.

There is plenty of support for schools and authorities that plan to begin, or even expand, their efforts to engage Scottish pupils to learn about China’s society, culture and language. The Scottish Executive has made plain its commitment in the report Scotland's Strategy for Stronger Engagement with China, the first objective of which is to raise understanding of China’s language and culture in Scotland.

Also, the Scottish Executive has welcomed the establishment of SCEN and is supporting its events. The British Council is in the second year of a scheme to bring Chinese teachers over to Scotland for a year; last year there were four and during this session there will be six.

SCEN events have already shown how interested Scottish pupils can be in the China experience – they find learning about the country fun. In June 2006 we held a Pupil Conference in Edinburgh, attended by pupils from all over Scotland and from five schools in Hong Kong and supported by the Scottish Executive and the The Royal Bank of Scotland. The event allowed each of the schools to show in performances and exhibitions what the pupils had learned and to enjoy workshops with Chinese themes.

Making contacts
At the heart of bringing China into our schools are living contacts between Chinese and Scottish young people. The enthusiasm of Chinese pupils when they visit Scotland is infectious and they quickly forge relationships.

The SCEN Summer Programme in August 2006 brought pupils from Chongqing Bashu Middle School, Yunnan University Secondary School and Tsung Tsin Academy in Hong Kong together with Scottish pupils to enjoy something of Scotland’s culture, history and countryside. This kind of shared experience, whether in Scotland or in China, is priceless in encouraging learning and strengthening links.

In 2008 there is to be a major festival in Scotland, China@Scotland. It will celebrate the existing and growing relationship between China and Scotland, educating all of us in what China can offer us and what we can offer China. It will be all-embracing, covering art and business, sport and science.

As we all look to the four capacities in A Curriculum for Excellence and think about what our pupils will need in their future lives, a Chinese initiative must be a strong contender for inclusion.

"We must seize this opportunity and bring China into our schools."

GTCS is involved in discussions about the registration of teachers of Chinese and there will be courses for those seeking qualifications at the new Confucius Institute, which is being opened at the University of Edinburgh this term.

Although Scotland is a small country, its history, values and culture, together with its emphasis on education, are proving attractive to Chinese schools, universities and businesses. We must seize this opportunity and bring China into our schools.

Judith McClure is Convener of the Scotland China Education Network and is the Headteacher of St George's School in Edinburgh.

Bringing China into the Classroom
Melany-Lu Lin, a teacher at St George's Primary School, explains how children respond to learning about China.

Scottish pupils find learning about China "cool". Last session was my induction year and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My colleagues were extremely helpful and supportive and I observed classes so that I could make my own lessons engaging.

At the very first lesson, I introduced my pupils to Chinese classroom commands. They stand up as soon as the teacher announces the beginning of the lesson and greet the teacher with a deep bow. This is part of Chinese culture, where the correct way of greeting a person is very important.

"I believe that the teacher and the pupil must learn from one another."
The pupils have enjoyed Chinese calligraphy, which they think is very therapeutic, Chinese paper cutting, Peking Opera and the Martial Arts. Chinese cooking in class has produced food described as “yummy”.

My pupils, both primary and secondary, have progressed very well in learning Chinese. They do not have to have special gifts to learn Chinese but they must be willing learners. I introduced them to Chinese tones at the very first stage.
In fact, the younger the pupil, the quicker they manage to find the right pitch. With very little grammar, it is relatively easy for pupils to gain at least some command of the language. The Chinese philosopher Confucius wrote: “When three men are walking together, there is one who can be my teacher”, and that “we should be in awe of the younger generation”.

I believe that the teacher and the pupil must learn from one another.

Study Guide
Aimed at primary and lower secondary pupils the ideas in this study guide are intended as an preliminary insight into the culture of China and the process of film making/story telling.  The activities are based around the film, whilst at the same time meeting some of the requirements of the Scottish 5 – 14 Guidelines and the National Curriculum.

This guide can be used as a set of photocopiable worksheets and more information/interactive activities can be found on www.cinemachina.org.uk.

5 – 14 Guidelines