The Confucius Institute at Edge Hill University works with schools to deliver engaging Mandarin language and cultural activities throughout the year. From one-off workshops and activity days to Mandarin clubs and longer-term language programmes, our activities can be tailored to different age groups, curriculum objectives, and school priorities.
Our popular China Activity Days give pupils the opportunity to experience a range of interactive Chinese language and cultural activities, including Mandarin tasters, calligraphy, tai chi, dragon dancing, lantern making, and traditional games.
Activity Days can support National Curriculum objectives, transition programmes, enrichment activities, and reward and recognition events.
Bookings for Sept-Dec 2026: Activity Day Bookings – September to December 2026 – Fill in form
Celebrate Chinese New Year at your school or on the Edge Hill University campus. Workshops can include dragon dancing, crafts, cultural activities, and performances, providing a memorable introduction to Chinese culture. Bookings for Chinese New Year workshops open each November.
Free Resources
These resources will introduce the origins of Chinese New Year, Chinese New Year customs and traditions and provide an opportunity for pupils to participate in a variety of activities including: paper cutting, lantern making and couplet writing.
We offer Mandarin language learning opportunities for pupils of all ages, from one-off taster sessions to longer programmes delivered over a half term, term, or academic year.
Schools can also establish Mandarin clubs, providing regular opportunities to explore Chinese language and culture. Programmes can support progression towards the Youth Chinese Test (YCT).
We offer tailored workshops and cultural activities to support Year 6–7 transition, reward and recognition programmes, school fetes, Christmas fairs, and other special events.
We support teachers, teaching assistants, and education students who are introducing Mandarin into the classroom through lesson materials, cultural resources, practical guidance, and continuing professional development opportunities.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your school.
Maricourt High School Confucius Classroom
Overview
At Maricourt High School, we are proud to host a Confucius Classroom in partnership with Edge Hill University. This partnership brings Chinese language and culture into school life helping our students develop a broader, global outlook.
What is a Confucius Classroom?
Our Confucius Classroom supports the teaching of Mandarin Chinese and promotes understanding of Chinese culture. Through our work with Edge Hill University, we benefit from specialist teaching, cultural activities and valuable international links that enrich learning across the school.
Benefits to our school
Being part of this partnership has strengthened our curriculum and created new opportunities for students. It enhances our modern languages offer, supports cultural awareness across the school and gives us access to expert teaching, resources and enrichment activities such as learning about festivals and business etiquette.
“Working in partnership with Edge Hill University has given students cultural knowledge and expanded their horizons. Students have been able to improve linguistic skills and confidence by communicating in another language.”
What our students gain
All pupils across the school take part in some form of Chinese language or cultural activity, ensuring wide engagement.
Students:
- Learn Mandarin and explore Chinese culture
- Develop confidence, curiosity and global awareness
- Take part in workshops, events and cultural experiences
A key highlight is our partnership with School No. 37 in Chongqing, China, where students take part in online exchange sessions. They prepare and deliver presentations to each other, sharing experiences and learning about everyday life in both countries.
“Our students develop not only language skills, but the confidence to engage with the wider world.”
“I have grown in confidence by presenting to our Partner School and it has made me appreciate other cultures a lot more.” George, Year 7
Our partnership with Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University plays a vital role in supporting our Confucius Classroom, providing expertise, teaching support and opportunities that enhance learning and strengthen our international focus.
Looking ahead
We are proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to continuing to develop our Confucius Classroom, building on our strong partnership with Edge Hill University to provide even more opportunities for our students.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your school
