Chinese Culture Experience Festival

 Year7, 8 and 9 Chinese Culture Day visit  

In the lead-up to the Culture Diversity Week, there were three busy Chinese Language excursions where Year 7 and Year 8 Chinese students attended an excursion to Melbourne’s Chinatown in the CBD, and Year 9 Chinese students attended an excursion to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. 

During the China Town Excursion, first, we traveled to the city via tram, and then to learn more about Chinese communities in Melbourne and Australia we had a guided tour of the Melbourne Chinese Museum. Students asked staff members many questions about the history of Chinese migration and settlement from the early days to the most modern times. Students also found various interesting facts about ancient Chinese history and viewed ancient seismograph warning devices and maps that explained the importance of the Silk Road and Chinese dynasties. We then visited a Chinatown Chinese restaurant to taste traditional Chinese cuisine. Students explored the way to use chopsticks and experienced traditional Chinese tea. The days out will be followed up by in-class work where students will be constructing their own Chinese lanterns. 

During the Sovereign Hill Excursion, students experienced gold panning like the diggers of the 19th century, explored the Chinese camp and discussed discrimination faced by the Chinese diggers who came to Victoria before they headed underground and explored a labyrinth of passages and original mine shafts hidden deep underneath Sovereign Hill. Then the students observed confectioners who rolled and molded a fresh batch of sweets by hand dated back in the gold rush period and experienced pure gold smelted and poured into the mold.  

We hope it was not only an experience in Chinese culture but also an enjoyable day for students to be involved in the school out of classroom programs. Special thanks to our excellent students who made this a very special learning experience. 

Ms. Liao and  Mr. G. M Barker