From Simon Macaulay, Chair, SCEN

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS MANDARIN SPEAKING COMPETITION

Around 90 students and teachers from 9 schools across Scotland – from Aberdeen to Giffnock – took part in the Competition held in the Ramshorn Building, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow on 9 June. This was the second event of its kind hosted by SCEN.

The level of spoken Mandarin was exceptionally high and awards were made across the various categories, including stage of student, and whether or not a native speaker of Mandarin.

Fhiona MacKay, director of the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s schools was present to hand out prizes to winners– together with certificates for every competing school.

The event proved a wonderful chance for students to engage with the Chinese language in a competitive yet supportive environment promoting both linguistic and cultural exchange.

*For more event photos, please visit SCEN website:
https://scen.info/galleries/scen-2024-scottish-schools-mandarin-speaking-competition

SCEN LECTURE 2024

"China's 21st Century Socio-economic Development: Towards 'common prosperity'?"

The latest SCEN lecture and SCEN social gathering was held on 20 June at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The lecture was given by Professor Jane Duckett, Edward Caird Chair of Politics and Director of the Scottish Centre for China Research at the University of Glasgow. As part of her talk Professor Duckett spoke of China’s socio – economic development trajectory over the past quarter century. She spoke in particular on poverty reduction and welfare state expansion. The talk had a particular focus as Professor Duckett has just returned from a prolonged work trip to China and was able to speak with considerable authority on China and Chinese society in 2024.

There followed a lively Q and A session with much discussion as to how China is addressing the great challenges of our times.

Thereafter SCEN Network members and friends were able to share a light beverage and exchange their experiences and challenges of the academic year now ending.

*For more event photos, please visit SCEN website:
https://scen.info/galleries/scen-lecture-2024

YOUTH VOICE WITHIN SCEN: CELEBRATING THE LEARNING OF MANDARIN WITHIN SCHOOLS

SCEN is anxious to promote the learning of Mandarin within schools in Scotland by showcasing exciting examples of how young people can be enthused by engaging with the language. Students at High School of Dundee are making a video of their Mandarin journey, which will be available soon.

Other schools are encouraged to develop similar materials to share with colleagues – and inspire future learners and teachers of Mandarin.

For further information, contact Yun Shen, Administrative and Communications Officer of SCEN, at admin@scen.info.

ERIC LIDDELL 100

The Olympic Games in Paris in July will see a high point for the work of the Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh in promoting awareness of the life and achievements of one of the greatest Scots of the 20th century. And the legacy lives on - for example through the curricular materials which have been developed to support schools and young people discovering about the life of Eric Liddell and the resonances for our own times.

The curricular materials can be accessed below.

DOWNLOAD THESE RESOURCES HERE

SCEN CHINESE TEACHING CLUB - FIRST FACE TO FACE MEETING SINCE THE COVID PANDEMIC!!!

Teachers of Mandarin are invited to the first face SCEN Teaching Club meeting since the Covid pandemic. This will take place on Friday, 20th September from 1 p.m. at the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools headquarters at Abden House, University of Edinburgh, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 5HP.

1 pm lunch and networking
2 pm meeting

Further details and agenda to follow early next school session.

Even if you have not been present at the CTC for some time – or are new to it - please try to attend this event – which will be informed but casual.

For further details contact Yun Shen, the SCEN Administrative and Communications Officer at admin@scen.info

SCEN ADVISORY COUNCIL

The first meeting of the new session will be on line on 4th October 2024 at 2pm.

For further details contact Yun Shen, the SCEN Administrative and Communications Officer at admin@scen.info

PLEASE HAVE A REFRESHING SUMMER BREAK – AND RETURN IN AUGUST ENTHUSED TO TAKE FORWARD THE MANDARIN LEARNING AGENDA IN SCOTLAND.

For further information on SCEN activity please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@scen.info.

Best wishes to you all,
Simon Macaulay
Chair
SCEN