Wellington Today Wellington Today 2018 en | Page 21

WELLINGTON SCHOOL LIFE
CULTURE
CELEBRATING
CHINESE CULTURE
AT WELLINGTON
Wellington College is proud of its extensive and well-supported
Chinese curriculum, with a wide range of enrichment running
parallel to the language provision. Our Chinese department puts
tremendous effort into providing many opportunities for every
pupil to experience both the language and culture of China.
Every year, the Chinese New Year celebrations at Wellington
College showed how the arts can tell compelling stories using a
global language. Families from all over the world both watched
and participated in a range of artistic performances designed to
celebrate one of the most important Chinese holidays in
the calendar.
A wide range of shows demonstrates pupils’ extraordinary
talents in the various performing arts, including different styles
of Chinese performances such as the vibrant Xinjiang and Inner
Mongolia dances, spectacular dragon dances and authentic Peking
Opera. We also welcome guest appearances from a local Chinese
school, professional acrobat artists and Wellington College’s own
staff and parents.
‘Here at Wellington College, we understand the important role
Chinese language and culture plays in our lives. Our college, of
course, is here in Shanghai, and many of our pupils and staff have
a Chinese heritage. Beyond the simple necessity of living and
working together, however, there is a need to share ideas and
philosophies, and the best way to do this is to come together in
celebrations.’ says Helena Hicks, Director of Chinese Studies at
Wellington College International Shanghai.
Celebrating Chinese culture, the entire College was adorned
with a plethora of decorations, peach trees and lucky couplets, as
pupils, parents and staff immersed themselves in the tradition of
Chinese New Year.
The College with the help of the Mandarin department
contributed a veritable feast of art, music, and literature,
organising several activities, including a pupil-led Project
Exhibition, an East Asian Fashion Show which included Spring
Festival Performances and the Chinese New Year Charity
Market, all reflecting the rich Chinese culture of ‘Nian’.
The Head of Mandarin Department at Wellington College
International Tianjin, Mrs Zhou Yang said, ‘We hope everyone
can learn more about Chinese culture with this high level
of participation and engagement in all kinds of celebratory
activities. In addition, the blend of cultural cognition with
language learning helps to stimulate students’ creativity and
enthusiasm for these kinds of independent activities.’
China is rapidly becoming a global economic and social
leader as it continues to make a huge impact in multiple areas
including technology, business, and politics. The study of the
Chinese language and culture, therefore, opens up a world of
opportunity for our pupils, as its rich heritage offers invaluable
insights into the ideals and motivations of the country and its
people. With a rich knowledge and understanding of Chinese
poetry, drama, music, and arts, Wellingtonians are better
prepared to understand China in all of its educational, social and
cultural contexts. We believe that this is an indispensable ability
for the effective and responsible leaders of the future.
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