Participating schools included: St Mary’s Secondary School, St Colman’s College, Christ King Secondary School, Coláiste Choilm, Mount Mercy College, Midleton College, St Aidans Community College, Ashton School, Kinsale Community School, St Aloysius School, Regina Mundi College.

The competition was in two parts - Chinese language and culture talent show and a quiz. The competitors introduced their families in Chinese, acted dramas in Chinese, recited Chinese poems, sang Chinese songs, did Chinese tongue twisters, wrote Chinese calligraphy and answered quiz questions about Chinese culture and history.

The first prizes were awarded to Lisa Wong from Mount Mercy College and Michelle Ikurusi, Sinead Kearney and Aoife O’Sullivan from Regina Mundi College. Lisa Wong impressed the panel with her articulate rendition of the Chinese song “Lydia” while the other prizewinners performed a Chinese drama “Eating at Chinese Restaurant.” The excellent participation by St Colman's College and Regina Mundi College was also acknowledged by the judging panel.

Professor Dong Huiqing, the First Education Secretary from the Chinese Embassy expressed his thanks to UCC for its dedication and excellent work in promoting Chinese language teaching and learning in Cork and Ireland and commented: “On behalf of the Chinese Embassy I congratulate the excellent achievement of the students and teachers.”

Professor Fan Hong, Director of the School of Asian Studies and Co-director of the UCC Confucius Institute said: “This is a milestone in the development of education of Chinese language and culture in Ireland. The students, teachers and parents are building a bridge between Ireland and China through language and culture. Chinese is now taught in schools in various forms in Ireland and it has proved to be successful.”

Chinese language and culture modules were introduced to schools by UCC in 2007. To date, 23 secondary schools in Cork City and County have enjoyed Chinese courses for Transition Year students, and modules have also been delivered to two primary schools. Altogether, 970 school students have studied or are studying Chinese. In May 2010 two Confucius classrooms were established - one at Christ King Secondary School and the other at St Aloysius School, Cork.

Representatives from UCD Applied Language Centre, UCD Confucius Institute, Institute of Technology Tralee and Ireland China Contract Group attended the event.

Picture: Prizewinner Lisa Wong, Mount Mercy College (centre) with her Mother, Mrs Wong (right) and teacher Ms Wang Hua Rong, UCC Confucius Institute language teacher (left).

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