The half term at Royal High School Bath ended on a joyous note as pupils enjoyed a range of cultural activities in preparation for the Lunar New Year. The student Heads of the International Association (ISA) led a whole school assembly sharing information about new year traditions and the significance of entering the Year of the Dragon.
The main event of the week was a real treat for the school community as the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe entertained and amazed staff and pupils with a two-lion dance complete with traditional drum music.
Chinese Lion Dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture, usually performed on special occasions such as Chinese New Year, special celebrations and wedding ceremonies. Not to be confused with dragon dance, the Chinese Lion Dance is performed by two dancers who mimics the movement of a lion in a costume. The Chinese Lion Dance is performed to spread happiness, luck and prosperity in the upcoming year.
The Royal High School students were thrilled to be part of the experience, and enjoyed catching sweets thrown from the lions’ mouths! The school was delighted to welcome Year 4 from St Stephen’s Primary School to join in the fun.
Boarders at Royal High School made a traditional new year cake, Nian Gao, which was enjoyed by all. In addition, there was a rice ball making workshop for Years 10 and 11, while years 7-9 made paper fortune cookies and decorated their tutor room doors with paper firecrackers.
Miss Parr and Miss Cheers also took a group of International students and student ambassadors to a local primary school to teach younger students about Lunar New Year, sharing traditional stories, teaching them about traditions and helping them make decorations. The participating students felt incredibly proud of the leadership qualities and the excellent collaboration skills that they demonstrated.