Leeds University Welcomes Three Local Schools for Mandarin Excellence Programme
Celebrating Chinese Language and Culture: Mandarin Excellence Programme Intensive Study Day at the University of Leeds
On Monday, 16th June, the University of Leeds welcomed enthusiastic students from Pudsey Grammar School, Crossley Heath, and Macmillan Academy for a vibrant and enriching day as part of the Northern Hub Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) Intensive Study Day.
This special event brought together young learners with a shared passion for the Chinese language and culture. Throughout the day, students immersed themselves in a wide variety of interactive activities designed to broaden their linguistic skills and deepen their cultural understanding.
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for students to create their own qishan (漆扇) — a traditional Chinese fan that not only serves a practical purpose for cooling but is also regarded as an art form in Chinese culture. Often beautifully decorated, the qishan represents both elegance and expression, making it a perfect hands-on craft for cultural exploration.
In the morning the students were treated to a talk by the author of 'More than one child' - Shen Yang, a riveting and moving story about her turbulent childhood growing during the family planning era in China. This was followed by a seminar led by Professor Frances Weightman. Students were also given the opportunity to explore the University of Leeds campus through a guided tour, where they visited key facilities, learned about the university's history and academic offerings, and got a feel for student life.
In the afternoon there was a fun and interactive Hanfu dress-up session, where students got to try on traditional Chinese clothing. Wearing the elegant, flowing robes of Hanfu brought history to life, offering a real sense of connection to China’s ancient traditions.
To round off the day, students were introduced to the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument. They learned about its history and how it’s played, and were treated to a live demonstration that filled the room with its distinctive, melodic tones — a fitting and atmospheric end to the day.
The Intensive Study Day wasn’t just about language learning; it was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and cultural discovery. Students headed home with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture.
What is the Mandarin Excellence Programme?
The Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) is a unique intensive language programme that started in 2016 and is ran by the British Council. The programme offers funding and support for secondary schools in England. It has helped thousands of school pupils in England learn Mandarin Chinese through classroom teaching, self-study, intensive study and immersive cultural experiences.
