The Chinese New Year has been celebrated in style by children and staff at Newington Community Primary in Ramsgate who shared creative activities and different experiences.
The aim was to immerse pupils in the Chinese culture and explore the different signs of the country’s zodiac – 2025 is the Year of the Snake and this was represented around the school in many ways.
The creative Early Years Foundation Studies group took part in a Chinese dragon parade across the school demonstrating their music and movement skills. They created dragon masks and moved to the sound of music they were creating with musical instruments.
Year 1 came face to face with a real snake when teacher Miss Goldsmith brought her pet reptile in to school to meet children who had the opportunity hold it, stroke it and find out more about the creature.
Year 2 explored the meaning behind Chinese lanterns before designing and making their own. They then used the lanterns to make their own wishes.
The school’s Newington Restaurant was decorated for the celebration and children had the chance to discover Chinese cuisine that included specialities and traditional treats like fortune cookies.
The main hall was a showpiece of creativity thanks to Year 5 pupils who showed their artistic flair decorating the space with colourful giant snakes made from a variety of media.
Assistant Head Teacher Gemma Clements said: “It was a vibrant way to celebrate an important date in a different culture. Our children found out about the heritage of China and were entranced by the activities they enjoyed, especially meeting the snake and watching the dragon dance.”
Head Teacher Hannah Tudor added: “This was another Newington fun learning experience which added an extra dimension to gaining knowledge about a different culture.
“The staff worked very hard to ensure it was a memorable occasion that our children will always remember.”
* Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 marks the start of the Year of the Snake, a time of transformation, wisdom, and personal growth.
