On Monday 25 January, Confucius Institutes from across Scotland, the Chinese teacher network and Chinese Hanban teachers assembled for a day of seminars, networking and opportunities to participate in and share professional learning. 

In attendance were Professor Sir Jim McDonald and Minister for Chinese Culture Mr SHEN Yang, both of whom made speeches expressing their commitment and support for building and sustaining strong links between Scotland and China. 

There were three formal presentations in the morning. Emeritus Professor Donald Christie focused his presentation on children’s rights and implications for teachers. Fiona Pate, HMIe and Languages Consultant, was the second presenter of the morning. Ms Pate spoke about the 1+2 languages agenda, innovative practice and some challenges for Mandarin in the languages curriculum.  Dr. Alan Huang presented his research on language learners and listening. 

In the afternoon, the Hanban teachers, the Chinese teacher network and the Chinese language assistants participated in a practical professional learning session led by the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools. They explored how Mandarin learning might articulate with the John Muir Award. Following this, the teachers enjoyed a session about Assessment is for Learning. 

Minister Councillor Shen