Chinese class excursion

By Year 10 student Julia Zhu and Year 11 student Erica Li

Earlier in the term students had an incredible opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Chinese culture during a Chinese Excursion. This excursion was designed to provide students with an immersive experience, combining traditional practices, culinary arts, and creative expression, making it a memorable experience for all students and teachers.

The workshops offered many hands-on learning activities, including dumpling making, arts and crafts (fan making, paper cutting, and calligraphy), and Tai Chi.

The day began with a calming Tai Chi session, led by a skilled instructor with over 20 years of experience. Through the flowing movements and the stories behind them, students gained a profound understanding of the ancient history and traditions that have shaped Tai Chi over centuries.

Following the Tai Chi session, students immersed themselves in a hands-on dumpling-making workshop. Under the guidance of our instructors, we learned various techniques to create beautifully crafted dumplings, providing valuable insights into the cultural significance of dumplings in Chinese cuisine. The experience was not only educational but also enjoyable. The best part was eating the dumplings!

After the activities, there was a chance to share a delicious lunch. Each dish showcased a variety of flavours and textures, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of China.

The afternoon was dedicated to exploring the artistic side of Chinese culture through a series of engaging arts and crafts activities. Students were introduced to traditional fan making, where they designed and decorated their own paper fans, drawing inspiration from nature.

Students also delved into the delicate art of paper cutting, a traditional Chinese craft known for its intricate beauty and rich cultural significance, dating back over 1,500 years.

The afternoon concluded with traditional Chinese calligraphy and ink painting, where students had the opportunity to engage with these traditional art forms. From the instructors, students learned the history of calligraphy and many characters, such as 木 (tree) and 目 (eye), and their evolution into what they are today. Alongside calligraphy, students explored the world of traditional ink painting. They experimented with various brushstrokes to create expressive artworks depicting natural landscapes and animals.

Overall, students had a fantastic time immersing themselves in Chinese culture and creating lasting memories!

Thank you, Ms Tingting Zhang, Miss Jingwen Sun, and the instructors at The Federation of Chinese Community of Canberra, for organising such an engaging and culturally enriching experience!