Twelve schools in the Otakou Mandarin Cluster converged on Tahuna Intermediate to get a taste of Chinese culture, by learning kung fu, traditional Chinese dance, how to cook dumplings with dipping sauce and use chopsticks, Chinese musical instruments and song, Chinese arts and crafts, and traditional Chinese games.
It was all part of the cluster's inaugural Chinese Immersion Day, held in conjunction with Chinese Language Week, from September 12-18.
Cluster programme co-ordinator Karen Jamieson said more than 120 pupils from 12 schools on the Otago Peninsula and surrounding areas, joined Tahuna Intermediate pupils in the activities.
The day was designed to promote the language and the culture, and get pupils excited about learning languages.
``And we hope that they're using as much Mandarin as they can while they're doing it.''
She said there were 850 pupils in the cluster, but not all were studying Mandarin yet.
It was hoped the event would change that in coming years.
``We just wanted to start small on the event this year, and get it right. We hope to grow it next year and have more students.
``We're hoping the students here today will go back to their school and say how much they enjoyed it, and inspire other students to join in next year.''
The cluster received $343,850 from the Government in October last year to increase the number of pupils learning Asian languages in schools.
The fund aimed to support New Zealand's growing trade and international relationships with countries such as China.
The fund pays for three language teachers to travel around schools in the cluster, teaching Mandarin to pupils ranging from years 2 to 9.
The ultimate aim was to create a pathway, where pupils can learn Mandarin from primary to intermediate to secondary school.
Eventually, pupils will arrive at secondary school with a higher level of Mandarin, so they can continue on and study for NCEA in the language.
