A BARRHEAD school has become the first primary in Scotland to be awarded ‘hub’ status for the teaching of Mandarin.

Cross Arthurlie Primary held a special assembly to mark the official launch of its new Confucius Classroom.

As a Confucius institute, the school will promote the joint planning of cultural activities and sharing of ideas to stimulate learning of Chinese language and culture.

Delegates from China, the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools and Scotland’s National Centre for Languages were all invited along to the Fern Drive school to celebrate the occasion.

They were given a warm welcome from Cross Arthurlie Primary schoolchildren, who were joined by pupils from St Ninian’s High, in Giffnock, to deliver songs, dances and presentations.

Vivien Mitchell, acting headteacher at Cross Arthurlie Primary, heaped praise on all those whose hard work has ensured the school is now recognised as a Confucius institution.

She told the Barrhead News: “The whole school came together to celebrate the launch of their new Confucius Classroom.

“The launch marks the opening of Cross Arthurlie as a hub school for the teaching of Mandarin.

“A group of pupils from St Ninian’s High joined us in entertaining guests with a musical recital and some Chinese-themed dances.

“Consul General Pan Xinchun awarded the school a beautiful plague to recognise the achievement.

“Along with Judith McKerrecher, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages professional development officer, and Fan Lin, depute director of the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools, the Consul General enjoyed a colourful assembly.”

Ms Mitchell added: “Pupils across the school demonstrated their knowledge of Mandarin by singing, dancing and sharing information about the various activities carried out during Mandarin Week.”