Chinese Culture and History Programme

STORIES UWCSEA

Chinese Culture and History Programme

Twice a week for one hour, 29 students in Grades 5–12 at Dover Campus gathered with teacher, Mr Jack Li, for a special after school activity, the Chinese Culture and History programme. This programme started in 2017, thanks to the generosity of a UWCSEA family who were keen to encourage students to deepen and widen their appreciation for the unique Chinese traditions and values, and at the same time, enhance their spoken Mandarin. For native Mandarin speakers, the programme allows them to connect to their Chinese cultural identity. And for non-native Mandarin speakers, the programme introduces them to the rich traditions of Chinese culture, which are fundamental to understanding and mastering Mandarin.

Subjects • Philosophy • Literature • History • Customs • Festivals • Language • National treasures • Ways to treat parents • Music • Fans • Paper cutting • Food • East and West comparison • Entertainment • City introduction • Ancient Chinese Astronomy • Calligraphy

Stopping by the classroom this year, a visitor may have seen students learning mahjong, reenacting a scene from a Chinese opera, practising their Chinese calligraphy brush strokes, or discussing Chinese philosophy. Mr Li’s lessons were dynamic and interesting—full of discussions and hands-on learning opportunities.

Students shared:

“The idioms we learned were very useful and now I understand these phrases in greater detail which also helped me with my everyday Chinese.”

“The most impressive things I learned in the activity were the rich history and legends behind Chinese customs, and the different cultures within China even though it is one country.”

“Thank you so much, I enjoyed everything! I wish I could enrol again next year.”

Learning about different cultures is more important than ever in today’s busy world as it creates connections to traditional values and understanding between diverse groups—how very UWC!

29 students taking part in activities Chinese Culture and History Programme is for students in

G5-12 2 activity sessions per week