This article is from page 23 of the 2012-05-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
THE students of Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon have started a trend which could be replicated in schools all over the country in the coming years by taking up Chinese as a foreign language.
Transition-year students from the school have just completed an eightmonth-long introduction to Mandarin Chinese.
The language classes were delivered to the girls by native Chinese speakers from the Confucius Institute, while Business and Certified Programme Facilitator, Miriam Higgins, delivered classes in Chinese culture.
“We are one of approximately 50 schools in Ireland to adopt the programme that was developed by the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland under the guidance and support of the Confucius Institute Headquarters and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA),” said Ms Higgins.
“This exciting and innovative Chinese programme has been a resounding success.
“Seosaimhín Uí Domhnaillín [Scoil Mhuire principal] and Geraldine Barry [Transition-Year Coordinator] have been very enthusiastic and supportive in offering the Chinese Studies Programme.”
Along with language classes, the unique initiative also teaches the girls about Chinese culture, travel, family, music, festivals and the economy. The cultural topics were taught using multimedia technology in various forms such as PPT, audio and video.
There was also additional classes in Chinese cookery given by home economics teacher Nicola Honan, as well as classes in paper cutting, calligraphy and other traditional Chinese activities.
The Confucius Institute is currently working with the Irish Government, businesses and academic institutes to develop stronger educational, cultural and commercial links between Ireland and China.
“Our aim in Ennistymon is to instill a curiosity in all things Chinese by introducing students to aspects of both modern and traditional Chinese culture and Chinese language,” continued Ms Higgins.
“Scoil Mhuire is privileged to work with the UCD Confucius Institute and to offer our students, what I believe, is a wonderful opportunity to learn about China and to study Mandarin Chinese.”