LOTE News - Chinese
Chinese Language Day Celebration
EDSC was thrilled to revive the beloved tradition of Language Day on 26 March 2025, bringing the school community together for a vibrant celebration of languages and cultures. This special event offered Year 7 Chinese students the opportunity to get involved in interactive workshops, captivating performances, and hands-on activities. The day began in period one with a joint celebration, where students gathered to watch three mesmerising performances by the Chinese artists: a Guzheng (Chinese stringed instrument) performance, a Sheng (Chinese woodwind instrument) performance, and an exciting Kung Fu demonstration. Students also had the opportunity to perform three songs they had been practising with their teachers, creating a wonderful atmosphere of unity and celebration.
In period two, students participated in a variety of cultural workshops, including Chinese ink painting, fan art, martial arts, and traditional music. Later, during lunchtime they showcased their own skills in a lively dragon dance performance, bringing energy and excitement to the entire school. It was fantastic to see the school community come together once again to celebrate Chinese language and culture.
Students share their personal experiences from the day below, offering insights into the activities they participated in and the lasting impressions they gained.
Astrid Tao
Chinese Teacher
Student Reports
Martial Arts Performance
I had a great time watching the martial arts performance! It was amazing to see the strength and skills of the performers. I learnt a lot about the discipline and focus required for martial arts. The live demonstration was exciting, and I can't wait to try some moves myself! It was an unforgettable experience.
By Jeffrey 7S
Guzheng Workshop
My group had the incredible chance to explore the Guzheng instrument. During the session, we looked at the Guzheng's wonderful design and learnt how to play it. Guzheng is performed by plucking strings, often with finger picks on the right hand. We discovered its melodic notes and even had the chance to play 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'. The opportunity to learn about this remarkable instrument was both thrilling and exciting, and it left me with an appreciation of Chinese music and culture. Chinese Language Day was a success, and our encounter with the Guzheng made it an unforgettable experience.
By Maham 7T
At the start of the incursion there was a Guzheng performance by one of the teachers. The instrument amazed all of the students with its breathtaking and enchanting rhythm. We then learnt about the history of the instrument and different types found in various countries. We were given a pick, which is used to play the Guzheng, you had to put it on the bottom side of your finger, then we learnt how to play the instrument. I discovered that the notes on the Guzheng are represented by numbers instead of letters, like on the piano. We also had the chance to strum the Guzheng, creating some extraordinary sounds, and play nursery rhymes including Mary Had a Little Lamb. I had an amazing time at the Chinese incursion, and I hope to do something like this again.
By Joye - 7L
Dragon Dance
Our group started by practising with the dragon equipment and learnt some tricks. Later we performed around the school, weaving our dragon through the lower, middle, and upper school courtyards to the rhythm of traditional dragon dance music. At the end we posed with the dragons and took a group photo. It was a tiring but thrilling experience.
Farhan - 7K
I was in the dragon dance group. When I danced with the dragon, I felt so excited and happy. As part of the 17 student team, my role was to control the dragon’s movements with a ball. When I moved the ball, it directed the dragon's dance. The team of performers used poles to rhythmically move the dragon.
The dragon dance is a traditional Chinese dance performance during festivals or celebrations. I was so happy that we could do the dragon dance and share the Chinese culture with others at school. I loved this activity.
By Tinyu - 7O
Chinese Fan Art and Traditional Music
During the incursion we explored Chinese culture through various activities, these included Kung Fu, Guzheng performances, and traditional music. The fan art was an exhilarating experience for my group as we got to see the various colours on our fans. Overall, the incursion was great and we would personally love to go again.
By Jennifer, Kaitlin & Bella - 7C
Chinese Ink Painting
Our group had the opportunity to learn Chinese ink painting under the guidance of our teacher, Miss Chi. The session began with a brief introduction to the history of traditional Chinese ink painting, the materials needed, and an explanation of essential brush strokes, which are vital for creating depth and texture. Miss Chi taught us the burnt stroke, which creates bold, intense marks, the light stroke for delicate, soft lines, the heavy stroke for stronger, darker lines and the shade technique, which adds depth by gradually transitioning from light to dark. After practising these strokes we were tasked with painting a Southern China village house, inspired by the famous Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong. Using the techniques we had just learnt, we carefully painted the house, adding the delicate details of roof tiles and two red lanterns on the side of the house, paying attention to detail and shading to give our paintings depth and life. By the end of the session we were excited to take home our paintings, proud of what we had created. Thanks to the expert guidance from Miss Chi, our group not only learned a new artistic skill but also gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Chinese ink painting.
By Kaeley - 7P