Confucius Classroom at ACG Strathallan brings opportunities for South Auckland schools

Published on isbi School News dated Thursday 14th of April 2016

The first Confucius Classroom in South Auckland was opened on Tuesday at ACG Strathallan. In partnership with the Confucius Institute, this specialised classroom brings a dedicated resource for learning Chinese to schools in the region. The plaque outside of the Confucius Classroom was unveiled on Tuesday. From left: Yu-Mei Lin - Teacher of Chinese - ACG Strathallan, Nora Yao - Director - Confucius Institute, Danny Chan - Deputy Chairman - ACG, Hon Judith Collins - MP for Papakura and Minister of Corrections and Police, Robin Kirkham - Executive Principal - ACG Strathallan, Daniel Fang - Education Consul Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, Yawei Chen - Education Consul Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, Peter Sun - Deputy Director of Confucius Institute. Director of the Confucius Institute, Nora Yao, noted that it was a number of firsts on Tuesday for the Institute, “The Confucius Institute and ACG have enjoyed many years of this relationship with the aim to prepare children not only for the world today but also the world tomorrow. Along with this being the first Confucius Classroom in South Auckland it is also the first Confucius Classroom at an independent school in the Auckland region.” While teachers can receive resources for teaching, they are also eligible to go to China to learn more about teaching Chinese. Through the Confucius Classroom schools can also gain support for Chinese summer camps in China. ACG Strathallan has been working with the Confucius Institute for more than 5 years and has been in partnership with Te Hihi Primary School teaching Mandarin for the last 2 years. Robin Kirkham, Principal of ACG Strathallan is passionate about the opportunities it brings to students and teachers in the region. He says, “Having the support of the Confucius Institute gives the students of South Auckland incredible support in learning this language. The benefits of learning a language from primary age have been well documented. We’re thrilled with the opportunities this provides and potential it brings to our region.” - See more at: http://www.acgedu.com/nz/strathallan/home/blog/10002-events-11/confucius-classroom-at-acg-strathallan-brings-opportunities-for-south-auckland-schools#sthash.WTQXwXdV.dpuf