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The Chinese Chamber of Commerce (N.I.) set up the Chinese Language School in 1983. The main objectives of the school are to maintain the Chinese language and culture within the Chinese younger generation. The success of the School and its development are due to the hard work of the CCC Education Committee. We now accommodate over 230 students. There are 18 classes in total, 12 of which are Cantonese classes, 5 Mandarin classes and one Mandarin class for adult. Classes range from kindergarten low, middle and high, primary 1 to 6 and GCSE classes.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce (N.I.) identified the need for the development of the Chinese Language School. In 1999, the Chinese Language School produced its strategic plan for deciding the future direction and approach to its work. The core aims of the strategic plan are to enable the Chinese Language School secure services, which would meet the needs of the Chinese Community in Northern Ireland and management of school administration and finance independently. After three years of practice, Chinese Language School endeavour to undertake the mission statement as indicated in the strategic plan.On 1st October 2000, Chinese Language School Management Committee was set up to manage both internal and external administrative work and finance. The Management Committee is comprised of representatives from teachers, parents and Chinese Chamber of Commerce educational committee. We want the Chinese Language School to be needs led and transparent. A Parents Advisory Committee was established in order to help and inform parents on policy and legislation. The rapid expansion of Chinese economy and international trading thus give the Chinese language a higher profile. The use of Chinese language is therefore being recognised and developed. The Chinese Language School recognises the popular use of Mandarin since the hand-over of Hong Kong to its motherland, the practical needs of learning Chinese language and its economical value. The Management Committee of the Chinese Language School decided to open classes in Mandarin. In March 2001 with the support of the Mandarin Speakers Association (MSA); their classes became a new Mandarin teaching group. In school term 2001 to 2002, we also opened a special Mandarin class. We now have a total of five Mandarin classes and will be able to facilitate students wishing to learn dual languages in Cantonese and Mandarin. In April 2001 we opened two Mandarin classes for adults and one of which is still in operation. Since 1999, students from Chinese Language School achieved excellent results in Chinese language at GCSE.In 2002 and 2003 The Chinese Language School participated in the Dragon Boat Races to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. Parents and students enjoyed the events, which provided an ideal opportunity for the young generation to learn the Chinese traditions and culture. The Management Committee of the Chinese Language School has worked very hard and we want to congratulate all those involved in the many achievements, of which we are all very proud. We rely upon your support and encouragement, so that the Chinese Language School can continue to provide this service to the Chinese Community in Northern Ireland and our Chinese language and culture will flourish in the future.
Mr. Eddie Tong
Principal of The Chinese Language School NI
