PUPILS at St John’s Infant School in Churt marked the start of the Chinese New Year with workshops throughout the day on January 29.

They began celebrating this year’s Chinese New Year with a Chinese dance workshop provided by the Education Group. They got to dance as individuals, pairs and parade as a large group, as well as using parasols and fans to begin dancing with. They became more reliant on team work as they danced first in pairs as lions and then in a larger group as they transformed into a dragon.

The children went on to explore the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year celebrations, including why each year is named after one of 12 animals, this year being the year of the pig.

They all learned to wish each other happy new year – Kung Hei Fat Choi.

Marion Stevens, head of school, said: “We are able to enhance our curriculum with such engaging activities because the PTA work all year round to raise funds, for which we are very grateful. The props and music really brought learning about this to life.”