Chinese language learning broadens children's horizon, say British teachers

As China is a major country on the global stage, to study China and its language can broaden children's minds and improve their career prospects, say British teachers.

"China is at the center of many developments. It's going to be important for our next generation of young people to understand China's culture and to also be able to work using the Mandarin language," says Joan Deslandes, head teacher of Kingsford Community School in East London.

She made the remarks at the prize-giving ceremony at London's Chinatown for the winners of the Chinese proficiency competition — "Chinese Bridge" — for primary — and secondary-level students. Altogether, nearly 500 British students participated in the two competitions held earlier this year online.

"But more important is that I recognize that China has a wonderful history and culture that is unknown to many of the young people in the UK, and I feel it would broaden their minds and their understanding and support their development as global citizens if they learn the language," she says.

In 2000, Kingsford became the first school in Britain to introduce compulsory Mandarin lessons into its curriculum.

Around 140 students and teachers from 17 schools were present at the event earlier this month. They interspersed the prize-giving ceremony with performances, including Chinese songs, traditional dances and musical instruments.

"And those were just the small number of students who won the competition, but behind them there are many schools teaching Chinese, and a lot of enthusiasm about having Chinese as a language option in this country," says Katharine Carruthers, director of the UCL Institute of Education Confucius Institute for Schools.

"China is playing an important part in the global vision. We need to equip the children with all the skills — and that involves language and cultural understanding — to be able to stay connected as they grow up," says Suzanne Haigh, head teacher at Kensington Wade. The London-based school is the first prep school in Britain to offer a bilingual immersive English-Chinese education for boys and girls aged from 3 to 11.

"In terms of prospects for employability, knowing the Chinese language and being able to communicate effectively with people from China can only benefit the young people of this country," says Deslandes.

"In our diverse world, where there are so many challenges that have to be faced, it's only by bringing our young people together, through the learning of languages and each other's cultures, that the important cooperation we need for the future success of every country can continue," she adds.