Chinese Vice Prime Minister’s reception

SJC Confucius Classroom's teacher and students were invited to attend Chinese Vice Prime Minister's reception at the British Museum on 11 January. Together with representatives from another three selected UK Confucius Institutes (TCM, LSE and SOAS), our students performed and conversed in mandarin with the Vice Prime Minister.

Please click here to see the news on the biggest China TV channel about this event.

http://www.hanban.edu.cn/article/2011-01/12/content_217081.htm

SJC Confucius Classroom's work honoured by Chinese vice Prime Minister, Li Keqiang.

Ms Xiao, Head of Mandarin and Confucius Classroom, told Vice Prime Minister about the work of SJC Confucius Classroom, including the provision of a platform for 500+ boys in the college and 400+ pupils in 7 local primary schools to study Mandarin, to experience China, to communicate with Chinese partner schools.

Gabriel (Yr11), Dylan (Yr9) and Max (Yr8), three brothers from Sassi Galindo family, are all studying Mandarin at St. Joseph's. They presented stunning performances to Vice Prime Minister, including a Chinese song "London Welcomes You" and a Confucius Quotations talk-show. The whole delegation group were deeply touched by their magnificent performance and gave the brothers long-lasting applause. Gabriel presented a beautifully hand-made Chinese card to Vice Prime Minister and had a warm Mandarin conversation with him.

The Vice Prime Minister seemed both relaxed and encouraged at the high standard of spoken Mandarin of UK young people. As language is a means of communication and breaking down cultural barriers, it is vital that more Brits take up mandarin as a second language.

Background Story:
Vice Prime Minister Li Keqiang visits the UK - "a warm breeze blows from China"

Prime Minister David Cameron's visit to China in November 2010 had a positive impact on bi-lateral relations as well as trade contracts. Giant pandas for Edinburgh Zoo as a gift from China last week during Vice Prime Minister, Li Keqiang's visit to the UK, are a symbol of the "warm breeze" and the warming nature of the Sino-UK relationship.

China's economy grew 10.3% in 2010, marking the fastest annual pace in the world since the onset of the global crisis.