Recent results from The University of Queensland’s annual Chinese Writing Contest show the value of Chinese language learning in Queensland schools has steadily increased over recent years.
From humble beginnings in 1995, this year’s event, run by UQ’s School of Languages, saw 144 students apply from 32 primary and secondary schools around the state.
Event organiser Dr Angela Cook was delighted that the annual Chinese Writing Contest had been able to go ahead as usual, despite all sorts of disruptions to schooling this year, and highlighted the fact that several schools participated in the competition for the first time in 2020.
"We saw possibly the highest ever number of regional schools participating this year, including the School of Distance Education and a few schools from Far North Queensland. It's really encouraging to see so many school-age students from around the state showing an interest in Chinese language and culture." Dr Cook said.
Open to all Queensland schools that teach Chinese language, this event aims to promote Chinese language learning in schools and increase interest amongst students who might consider continuing Chinese learning at UQ.
Teachers of Chinese in UQ’s School of Languages set the writing tasks for the contest and the final judging was undertaken by a panel of three Chinese language teachers from the School.
UQ’s Confucius Institute was also involved, and has been sponsoring the event every year since 2010 – including support of prizes and marking cost.
The contest included eight categories catering for different year levels and language backgrounds – including native and non-native speakers of Chinese.
The Supreme Award went to Lucy Luo from John Paul College.
