100 Words celebration in Caister-on-Sea

Last Thursday, we went to Caister-on-Sea (in Norfolk) for the evening to see a performance by pupils from Caister First, Middle and High Schools of work inspired by 100 Words. Earlier in the year, we had run a six week programme of workshops in the First and High Schools, while other teachers had taken the ideas behind 100 Words and applied them in different ways. It was exciting to see the results. Short films of the First School pupils showed them learning Mandarin words for numbers and colours, and renacting the Chinese folk tale, The Ten Suns (in 100 words). Middle and High School students performed 50 and 100 word plays in Mandarin. Year 7 and Year 8 showcased a stunning dance piece based on interpretations of the characters for 1 to 7. Films of the High School students 10 word plays were also shown. The performances were extremely focused and the hall was packed with families and friends. None of the Caister schools teach Mandarin but they have thriving links with Dong Er Primary School and Middle School No 3 in Xuhui District, Shanghai. In a few weeks time, a group of 14 teachers and students will be visiting the Shanghai schools to share 100 Words material, while later in the summer term teachers from Shanghai schools will be coming to Caister. We’ll be meeting up with them all to hear how the project’s going and to plan the next phase. Thanks to Creative Partnerships Norfolk and the British Council World Links programme for all their support to-date.