Excited students from across the school came together last week to celebrate Chinese New Year in a vibrant and engaging after school event, led by Carisbrooke's British Council language assistant Miss Yan, and Mandarin teacher Mr Briscoe. Pupils from a number of year groups took part in a range of traditional activities, including intricate paper cutting, learning new Chinese vocabulary, and experiencing the excitement of Lion Dancing.

The celebrations – which this year mark the year of the horse – reflect the school’s strong and successful Mandarin provision, which blends mastery of the language with a strong focus on culture and which continues to grow across the key stages from year to year. Students benefit from high-quality lessons in the classroom and a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to bring the language to life. From cultural workshops and special events to educational trips both at home and abroad, pupils are given many opportunities to practise and develop their language skills in meaningful, real-world contexts.

It was particularly encouraging to see some Year 11 students who had previously visited China on a school trip last October also making time to join the festivities after their Mandarin revision session had finished, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment that characterise Mandarin learning across the school.