Chinese New Year 2025

7th February 2025

We are excited to share that our recent Chinese New Year celebrations at Mill Water were a fantastic success! Our pupils had a wonderful time engaging in cultural activities, celebrating diversity, and enjoying a feast for the senses. From colourful decorations and lively music to delicious food tasting, every student was able to join in the fun and create lasting memories.

The first day of these celebrations consisted of getting creative and enthusiastically crafting traditional Chinese dragon puppets, colourful art lanterns, and vibrant fish kites, each expressing their unique styles and ideas. It was heart-warming to see how proud they were of their creations, as they shared their artwork with friends and staff. The joy and excitement in their faces truly highlighted the value of creativity and self-expression, making the celebration even more special for everyone involved.

The second day of Chinese New Year Week was focused on Chinese stories. Pupils listened to traditional Chinese stories and engaged with sensory stories. These storytelling sessions provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in rich tales while promoting cultural understanding. The use of sensory elements helped the stories come alive. This engaging approach captured their attention, allowing them to connect with the stories.

On Friday it was time for Chinese food exploration. Pupils eagerly sampled dishes that introduced them to new flavours, textures & smells. One of the highlights was enjoying fortune cookies, which brought an extra element of fun as pupils discovered their thoughtful messages inside. This engaging activity not only allowed pupils to explore different tastes but also encouraged conversations about food and culture. It was wonderful to see the pupil’s excitement and curiosity as they explored new foods together, making the celebration even more memorable!

To end these celebrations, pupils had an incredible day filled with Chinese music and dance, led by the talented Education Group team! They joyfully participated in engaging dance activities, using colourful props including Chinese umbrellas and fans that added an extra layer of sensory and excitement. One of the highlights was the opportunity to dance as a Chinese dragon, moving to the rhythm of traditional music. It was heart-warming to see the pupils fully immersed in the experience, laughing and expressing themselves through movement. This lively celebration not only introduced them to the richness of Chinese culture but also fostered a sense of joy and connection among their friends.

The Chinese New Year Week at Mill Water was a tremendous success for all our pupils! The celebration enriched their learning experiences and created lasting memories that we will cherish for years to come.

We want to extend a big thank you to The Coreus Foundation for awarding us a grant that made these activities possible. Without their generous support, our pupils wouldn’t have had the chance to experience the magic of this special celebration. The grant allowed us to organise a variety of engaging activities that welcomed everyone and ensured that every child felt included and valued.

We’re already looking forward to planning more exciting celebrations in the future!