Member Article

A taste of the orient comes to Gosforth school ahead of Chinese New Year

Westfield School celebrated Chinese New Year early in a very unique way bringing the Far East to the classrooms of its Junior House this February.

Dubbed Shanghai Maths Week, pupils aged between three and 11-years-old saw lessons transformed as they experienced unusual teaching techniques from the Asian city, which regularly tops international league tables for mathematics achievements.

From repetition of language and numbers to interactive problem solving and whole class participation, teachers took inspiration from Shanghai to reshape maths lessons in a nod to the upcoming Chinese occasion.

Morning exercise routines formed part of the celebratory week too, modelled on those which many Eastern corporations adopt helping to get creative thoughts flowing. Parents, grandparents, guardians and staff were encouraged to join in, forming a group of over 100 participants in the sports hall.

Additional activities during the educational initiative included tastings of Chinese speciality dishes such as noodles, dragon dances with handmade puppets, and role play acting out the Chinese Zodiac Story.

Mr Walker, headmaster at Westfield School said: “Shanghai Maths Week has been a fantastic addition to our academic calendar, allowing our Junior House girls to open their minds and imaginations to a new culture, from participating in enhanced maths lessons to engaging and exciting activities with a difference.

“There was a real buzz around the school as girls of all ages joined in throughout the week, along with their families which was great to see.”

Westfield School is an independent day school for girls aged from three to 18-years-old in the heart of Gosforth, and was founded in 1960.

For more information on Westfield School, or to register for its open day on Saturday 03 March from 10am to 1pm, visit www.westfield.newcastle.sch.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Westfield School .