Chinese performers kick-start New Year celebrations

Two specialist performance groups kick-started the Chinese New Year celebrations at NLL and Cornwallis Academies when they dazzled audiences last week (25-27 January) with dance, music and traditional ceremonies from Chinese Culture.

The groups from London's South Bank University (LSBU) Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine performed Folk and Lion Dances and demonstrated martial arts acts to students and invited primary and secondary schools from the surrounding areas.

On Wednesday there was a special evening performance for the community and local residents at NLL Academy. The evening included:

• Traditional folk dances
• Martial arts
• Tea ceremonies
• Relaxation and massage techniques
• Abacus numeracy skills

This week at both Academies students are exploring elements of Chinese culture in all lessons and a special Chinese menu is being enjoyed every lunchtime.

NLL Academy has one of 272 Confucius Classrooms, established in 88 countries across the globe. All Year 7 students who join the Academy are taught Mandarin as a compulsory subject until the end of Year 8. At Cornwallis Academy all Year 7 and 8 students learn Mandarin for two lessons a week and have the option to take the subject at GCSE level.

Future Schools Trust will soon be revealing details about our Mandarin Saturday School starting on 5 March 2011 at NLL Academy. Children and adults will have the opportunity to learn a new language and find out more about Chinese traditions and culture. To be the first to know details about this exciting class email community@newlinelearning.com or keep checking the News section of our website.