Angus pupils will have the chance to learn Mandarin and about all aspects of Chinese culture thanks to a Confucius Classroom Hub that opened at Carnoustie High School on Friday.
Two dedicated teachers from China will work with primary and secondary schools to promote and support the learning of Mandarin.
The hub will also offer further opportunities for a greater number of staff and pupils to undertake study visits to China as well as on-going access to resources and professional learning and support from the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools (CISS).
Angus schools will be partnered with a school in Tianjin, in north-eastern China.
The launch was hosted by senior pupils and conducted in both Mandarin and English.
Angus Council’s children and learning convener, Councillor Sheena Welsh, said: “We want our young people to be prepared for life and work in a multicultural, global marketplace and Mandarin is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.
“Evidence shows that early language learning improves literacy and that young children learn languages more easily.
“By establishing our own Confucius Classroom we can develop a wider range of stimulating learning opportunities for our children and young people to share with their counterparts in Tianjin.
“Together we can learn about our different cultures and promote a true love of language learning.”
The launch follows a special performance by Chongqing Chuanju Theatre, one of the major national opera houses of China, at the school on Thursday evening.
Their performance demonstrated the drama and musical theatre elements of Chinese opera, including music, song and dance, martial arts and acrobatics.