Westmorland School pupils welcome Chinese New Year with Chinese Dance Workshop

Westmorland Primary School in Brinnington prides itself on providing children with rich experiences as part of the school’s M.O.R.E. (memorable learning, oracy, reading and real experiences) curriculum. To celebrate Chinese New Year 2024, a dance workshop was held for a selection of year groups across school where pupils learnt a traditional Chinese New Year’s dance involving a dragon, parasols and fans. Throughout the session children were also taught key facts about Chinese New Year to further immerse them in the tradition and culture.

All the children (and staff) enjoyed the workshop, loved dancing and became immersed in the whole experience:

• “I loved it! I loved the dragon!” Year 1 child
• “I liked it because I got to learn about new years in other countries.” Year 5 child
• “I liked it because of the movements we got to do especially moving like a dragon.” Year 1 child
• “I really enjoyed learning a new dance, facts and performing it in a parade.” Year 5 child
• All children and staff thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.

Following the Dance workshop, Year 5 have delivered a Chinese New Year assembly to parents, carers, and other classes across the school. Tom Lawler, PE lead at Westmorland, explained that the school aims to provide as much opportunity as possible for children to be active, promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.  

At the end of the school day, children go home and share their experiences which promotes diversity and acceptance to the whole community, which the school is at the heart of.