Confucius Classroom
Artefact 1
Annotation
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When: Chatswood Public School started its Confucius classroom 4 years ago. What is it? Confucius Classroom (CC) is not just a physical space. It represents the integration of activities, relationships and culture within a school to promote understanding of the Chinese language and culture, and to build connections with China. How: Our first CC volunteer teacher, Qian Zhang, arrived in June 2013. She is a qualified teacher from Fuzimiao primary school in Nanjing. The CC teacher follows legislated syllabus documents and policies, implements contemporary, research-based language pedagogy, teaches meaningful content which are relevant to students’ world, caters for diverse learning needs, uses current technology and resources, connects with students in China via technology, exchange and promotes intercultural understanding and language learning. As part of the agreement between the NSW Department of Education and Hanban in China, Hanban provided each CC with a US $ 10,000 start-up fund, a volunteer teacher and teaching resources. Why: It is important for Chatswood Public School to establish a Confucius Classroom as our school has over 80% of NESB students, and all K-6 students learn Mandarin weekly, apart from the native Korean students. It is an opportunity for all students to access Chinese culture through expert’s eyes and perspectives, thus further consolidating their knowledge of Chinese language and culture.
The Significant Impact
The artefact chosen as evidence is a collage of photos taken from this year’s China Day.
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In term 2 each year, all stage 3 students attend China Day in accordance to the requirement of the Confucius Institute. They participate in interesting/challenging workshops, sampling Chinese food, doing Chinese fitness and appreciating Chinese culture through video presentation on fashion changes, calligraphy, Chinese opera and paper cutting. This has a huge impact on students who may not have had the opportunity to experience Chinese culture or who has found it challenging to learn Mandarin. In term 4, selected stage 2 students attend Chinese Immersion Day with students from Colo Vale Public School and our sister school, Coonamble Public School. The students were immersed in 5 different workshops that embrace Chinese culture and language. This initiative not only benefit our students but those two other schools whose students are more isolated from other cultures.
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The CC volunteer teacher covers the whole school throughout the year by teaching one stage per term. The classes learn Chinese cultural activities specific to their age group, such as craft, folk dance and historical stories.
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Our school is the first in the Northern district to establish Confucius classroom. We encouraged other neighbouring schools to share our volunteer teacher’s expertise by visiting their school once a week. As a consequence, that school (Lindfield East Public School) has also established its own CC.
Analysis
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In our self-assessment process the leadership team analysed a range of evidence to support our judgement.
SEF Connections
Learning Element
Learning Culture - Excelling
Chatswood Public School’s philosophy is excellence in a caring and enriching environment. We are proud of the fact that our school is culturally responsive and promotes inclusivity. Our vision is that our students become active global citizens and have an excellent understanding of the Chinese language and culture so that they can thrive in a global environment and contribute to a world of cultural diversity and harmony.
We implement the Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia priority in the Australian National Curriculum within Chatswood Public School by:
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Working together with the school community’s involvement on the Asia Literacy Program.
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Ensuring that students learn about and recognise the diversity within and between the countries of the Asia region. They will develop knowledge and understanding of Asian societies, cultures, beliefs and environment and the connections between the people of Asia, Australia and the rest of the world.
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Providing students with the skills to communicate and engage with the people of Asia so they can effectively live, work and learn in the region.
Teaching Element
Collaborative Practice - Sustaining and Growing
The CC volunteer teacher works collaboratively with all the teachers across the whole school. She implemented her lessons with the class teachers in the room, assisting her with craft and classroom management and advising about the suitability of the teaching contents. This also allows the classroom teachers to experience Chinese language and culture, further deepening the understanding and respect for each other’s culture.
Leading Element
School Planning - Sustaining and Growing
The goals of the CC is to:
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Strengthen relationships, understanding and appreciation between people in Australia and China.
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Increase opportunities for students and teachers to develop skills which will enhance Australia/China relationships.
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To support and continue the teaching of Chinese in NSW and the teaching of English in China.
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To share teaching, learning and curriculum resources and to exchange teaching strategies regularly through appropriate 21st century technologies.
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To build an international perspective and mutual cooperation within sister school relationships.
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Please check the link below re: School Excellence Framework