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Young Scots heading to China thanks to new funding
27/01/2005
Scottish school children will have the opportunity to learn Mandarin and experience Chinese culture at first hand thanks to a range of educational activities announced today.
The £350,000 package of measures were unveiled today by the Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace during his visit to China. They include:
- summer schools in China for Scottish students and teachers;
- support for Chinese teachers to come to Scotland to teach Mandarin;
- encouraging Scots to go to China to teach English.
Speaking as he continued his visit to China at Shenzhen Experimental School - one of the top middle schools in the city of Shenzhen - Mr Wallace said:
"I am here to do all I can to strengthen ties between China and Scotland. We must ensure our country is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities this emerging and vast market provides. One of the ways to do that is for our schools to do more to teach the Mandarin language. This will become increasingly important in economic terms as the Chinese economy continues to grow.
"When it comes to business, personal relationships are immensely important. I am convinced these new links between our young people will help to achieve this goal. Bonds formed in our youth are often the strongest and most durable. Young Scots who visit China as part of this programme will learn that it is an incredible country. And the summer schools will also help young Scots meet people I hope they will be able to call friends for life. This can only bring our countries closer together and ensure Scotland benefits in the long term."
The summer schools in China will focus on teaching Mandarin and will allow students to take part in cultural activities, learn some of the language and visit attractions.
It is hoped that up to 120 children will be able to visit China over the next three years - starting this summer. The programme will also see eighteen Chinese language teachers visiting Scotland to teach Mandarin during the three years
During the visits, Scottish students will be paired with youngsters from local schools and colleges to help foster lasting friendships.
The first Summer school will be based in either Beijing, Hangzhou, Kunming or Xiamen but other cities may be considered in future years.
Mr Wallace said:
"Young Scots will see that China is a breathtaking place to visit with beautiful countryside and fascinating cities. International school exchanges can lead to a willingness to explore the opportunities offered by different countries across the world in later life.
"It is crucial our education system produces adventurous, outward-looking adults able to ensure Scotland takes full advantage from engaging in a competitive, fast moving global economy. This exchange is an excellent example of what we are trying to achieve."
During his week-long visit to China, Mr Wallace also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Ministry of Education. This will help to further strengthen the educational links that already exist between Scotland and China.
In Summer 05 it is proposed that 3 groups of 10 (8 pupils and 2 teachers) will join existing schools with counterparts from England in one of four cities in China - Beijing, Hangzhou, Kunming or Xiamen. From Summer 06 a specific Scottish summer school will be organised.The age group will be 14-18years old. it is possible that a minimum of 10 hours of Mandarin learning may be required before joinging the summer school. Flights and visa are paid by students/teachers/school themselves. Full details of the course will follow but it will start in mid-July.
Chinese Language Assistants into Scotland. The projection is for 3 in 05/06, 5 in 06/07 and 10 in 07/08.
English Language Assistants from Scotland to China. It has been agreed to fund 8 in 05/06, 12 in 06/07 and 16 in 07/08 from Scottish universities.