Taiji practice in HRS Middle School Chinese classes
HRS Middle School Chinese classes provide students with a rich and immersive learning experience that goes beyond language acquisition. In addition to mastering Chinese vocabulary and grammar, students explore the depth of Chinese culture through interactive and engaging activities. One highlight of the program is the incorporation of Taiji (Tai Chi) practice, a traditional Chinese mindfulness exercise.
Taiji, rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, emphasises the harmony of mind, body, and breath. Through slow and deliberate movements, students learn to focus, relax, and cultivate inner balance. This practice not only enhances their understanding of Chinese cultural traditions but also promotes mental clarity and physical well-being. As part of their Chinese language and culture studies, students reflect on the principles of YIN and YANG, gaining insight into how these ideas influence Chinese thought and daily life.
This unique integration of mindfulness into the curriculum enriches students' learning journey, fostering a deeper connection with Chinese heritage while supporting their overall well-being. At Haileybury Rendall School, we are proud to nurture well-rounded global citizens who appreciate the value of cultural diversity and holistic education.
Lei Shangguan
Head of Languages
Junior School Asia Expo
Did you know that in the Philippines, Christmas celebrations begin in September?
This is just one of many fascinating facts that were shared during the recent Year 6 Asia Expo.
Visitors to the Expo were treated to an extraordinary array of information, mouth-watering foods and beverages, stunning costumes and traditional dress, and artefacts carefully sourced and arranged in ways to ensure that the significance and importance of each country could be understood by our VIPs.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such an impressive manner, Year 6!
Michelle Dancis
Junior School Teacher
A sweet success
As Term 1A draws to a close, our new Year 9 Chinese students took on the challenge of making tanghulu, the viral Chinese snack - fruit coated in a crunchy toffee shell.
While the procedure may seem simple, achieving the perfect tanghulu requires precision—especially in heating the syrup to the ideal temperature. Some students learned the hard way: heating the syrup too much results in a bitter, caramelised shell, while not heating it enough means the syrup won’t harden.
Despite the occasional mishap, the activity was a fun, hands-on experience. It provided a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture while learning practical skills like following instructions and problem-solving.
This cultural cooking session highlighted the importance of patience and attention to detail—qualities valuable in both cooking and language learning.
The results? A mix of delicious tanghulu and a few sticky, but entertaining, stories to share!
We’re proud of our students’ enthusiasm and creativity and look forward to more exciting cultural activities next term.
Malien Cheng
Language Teacher (Chinese)
Celebrating a year of music, courage, and growth
This year, our 12 Cushion Concerts provided a wonderful opportunity for over 50 students to showcase their progress in a warm and welcoming environment in the school library. With most of the performers being beginner students, the concerts offered a chance to embrace the excitement of live performance. From the first notes to the final applause, each concert was filled with moments of courage, growth, and pride.
A key part of this success was the supportive audience of classmates, friends, and teachers who cheered on our performers. Their encouragement created a positive atmosphere that allowed students to feel confident and proud of their achievements.
We are deeply grateful to all those who helped make these concerts possible, especially the students' dedicated tutors. Their commitment and expertise were essential in guiding our performers, teaching them not only technical skill but also the confidence to share their music.
The students played a variety of instruments, including Violin, Viola, Cello, Voice, Piano, Flute, and Saxophone, demonstrating their hard work and determination. Each performance was a testament to their dedication to improving and their passion for music.
Thank you to everyone who helped, supported, and attended these concerts. We look forward to many more performances in the future!
Laura Mau
Music Teacher
Exploring ancient worlds through play
This term, our Year 7 Humanities students embarked on a thrilling virtual journey through the ancient worlds of Egypt and Greece using Assassin’s Creed Discovery Mode. By blending cutting-edge technology with historical exploration, this innovative approach brought ancient societies to life in a way textbooks alone could not achieve.
Students delved into the culture, religion, and societal structures of these civilisations, gaining unique insights into the daily lives of their inhabitants. They also researched significant historical figures and uncovered the stories behind some of history's most iconic landmarks.
As part of their exploration, students toured virtual historical locations led by famous historical figures. They sourced and analysed virtual historical artefacts to create their own real-world version of a curated digital museum.
This immersive experience not only deepened students' understanding of the past but also fostered critical research and analytical skills. By walking the streets of ancient cities and stepping into the shoes of historical characters, students developed a meaningful connection to the ancient world.
Our use of Assassin’s Creed Discovery Mode highlights our commitment to engaging, 21st-century learning experiences that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.
Matthew McKenna
Humanities Teacher
