Chinese New Year

On 17th February, students at Overton marked Chinese New Year through a range of enriching cultural activities designed to deepen their understanding of global traditions. The celebration began with an engaging introduction to lion dancing and traditional Chinese drumming, which students participated with great enthusiasm. They also took part in colourful Chinese ribbon dancing, providing an opportunity to express their creativity through coordinated movement and performance.

During the afternoon session, students participated in a hands-on cultural experience by preparing traditional Chinese food with Amy, our language teacher. In addition, they developed their language awareness by learning how to write the numbers 1–10 in Chinese characters and by practising simple phrases in both Mandarin and Cantonese. Students were also introduced to the tradition of offering New Year blessings, gaining insight into the cultural significance of these practices.

Students explored the Chinese zodiac and discovered their own zodiac animals, enabling them to further appreciate the traditions and symbolism associated with Chinese culture. The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage with and celebrate cultural diversity, demonstrating respect, curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the day. Overall, it was a highly successful celebration that enriched students’ cultural understanding and promoted a greater appreciation of global cultures.