The Swire Chinese Language Centre, Birmingham, was established in 2017 by King Edward VI Aston School with the generous support of the Swire Chinese Language Foundation. It aims to increase opportunities to students from all backgrounds and learning capabilities from across the City, to study Mandarin.
There are currently 7 primary schools and 3 secondary schools successfully teaching Chinese to young people of varying abilities and backgrounds, embedding Chinese within the regular curriculum of the school. Back in 2017, when the Centre was first established, there were just 4 primary schools teaching Mandarin in the curriculum. Now there are more than 2000 students studying Chinese in schools across Birmingham.
This new academic year (2021-2022), has seen the Centre welcome King Edward High VI School for Girls, Prince Albert High and Chilwell Croft Academy to join the programme - an additional 350 pupils.
Hannah Liu, Head of Mandarin at King Edward VI Aston School, is incredibly proud of the growth so far and remains committed to expanding the provision of Mandarin. She comments "I am passionate about promoting Chinese language and culture and take pride in seeing my pupils grow their language skills. I strive to provide the best learning experience and opportunities for my pupils to immerse themselves in the language, culture, traditions and history of China".
If you are interested in starting Chinese on the curriculum, please contact Hannah via email: h.liu@keaston.bham.sch.uk and she will be happy to support in any way that she can.
