On Friday 9th February almost 200 students celebrated Chinese New Year with cultural and musical workshops.  Almost 80 students of Mandarin at Didcot Girls’ School were joined by visiting school groups from St. Gregory’s Grammar School in Bath, Desborough College in Maidenhead and St. Birinus School nearby, in addition to two visiting Chinese school groups from Hunan and Hebei province.  Visiting performers lead workshops including Kungfu, Calligraphy, Paper Folding, Tai Chi, Fan Dance, Song writing and Chinese Games and Slang.  The highlight of the day was the afternoon concert by the band Transition, who sing in Mandarin.  Students were also treated to a sumptuous Chinese meal.  A great way to welcome in the Year of the Dog!

Mrs Warwick, Executive Headteacher of Didcot Girls’ School, said:
‘Didcot Girls’ School has celebrated Chinese New Year in style! We were delighted to welcome nearly 200 students, from China and the UK, to enjoy a day of Chinese culture, celebrating the Year of the Dog. I am extremely grateful to Mrs Wicks, Head of Chinese, at Didcot Girls’ School for all her work in ensuring that today was such a success.

As a school, we are passionate about language learning and Mandarin Chinese is taught from Year 7 through to Year 13. This week we have hosted students from Hunan and Hebei province in China and we look forward to exchange visits with our link school, Hefei No. 6 High School, in the future.’