Happy "niu" year
Monday 26th January was the first day of the Spring Festival, better known in the West as Chinese New Year. Girls at Queen"s Lower and Senior Schools learned about the legend behind the 12 animals in the zodiac and about the characteristics they themselves are meant to display, depending on the year they are born. Girls who are studying Mandarin also performed a traditional song to celebrate the occasion. In the Chinese calendar the year is 4707.
As millions of Chinese across the world this week ushered in the Year of the Ox with firecrackers and dragon dances, girls at The Queen"s School were very happy to join in the celebrations. The Year of the Ox – “niu” in Mandarin Chinese- follows the Year of the Rat as the second in a 12 year cycle of signs of the zodiac. Those born under the sign of the ox are said to be dependable, hard-working and patient.
At the only girls" school in the country to be recognised as a Confucius Classroom for its work in promoting the study of Chinese, students were quick to enter into the spirit of the occasion. Year 7 pupils dressed in Chinese costume and sang a traditional new year song to the school, whilst younger girls were fascinated to learn the legend behind the choice of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Noodles and sweet and sour chicken were part of a tasty themed lunchtime menu.
Ms Lynnette Ketchell, Head of Modern Languages, said:
“With one in five of the world”s population being Chinese, it is important that our girls have an insight into the culture which underpins such a significant economic power. They really entered into the spirit of the occasion and had great fun working out which animal represents the year they were born."
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Year 3 pupils Sophie Clarkson and Hope Pugh identify the ox amongst the animals of the zodiac.
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Press Contact:
Mrs Jane Taylor, The Queen’s School, City Walls Road, Chester, CH1 2NN
Tel: 01244 312078 Fax: 01244 321507
Email: jtaylor@queens.cheshire.sch.uk
The Queen’s School, Chester, Cheshire is one of the country’s leading independent schools for girls aged 4 – 18. We have a nationally renowned reputation for academic excellence and our girls consistently achieve outstanding results at GCSE and A level.
Our school celebrates young women and their potential. We prepare our girls to face their future with self-belief, energy and a “can do” philosophy. Academic success is only one aspect of life at Queen’s and all girls are encouraged to explore their abilities, interests and passions in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. From drama, art and music to sports, community work and overseas adventures, the girls benefit from an education of the whole person, experiencing new challenges inside and outside the classroom.
At The Queen"s School, we seek to develop in each student a risk-taking spirit, leadership abilities, confidence and a love of learning. Our individual approach ensures each girl has the support she needs to thrive and succeed throughout her time here.
The school inhabits elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings, situated in a beautiful setting within walking distance of historic Chester. These surroundings prove a constant reminder of the heritage and traditional values that have shaped the school for more than 130 years.
Mrs Catherine Buckley is the headmistress of The Queen’s School with Mrs Felicity Taylor as head of the Lower School on Liverpool Road. The school has a number of bursaries available to very able students.
Past pupils include Beth Tweddle, Olympic Gymnast, Sarah Kelly, founder of the UK’s Neuromuscular Centre for muscular dystrophy and Vivienne Faull, the first woman to become Dean of an English Cathedral.
More information available from www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk
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