Students got the chance to experiment with their artistic talents and embrace a new culture.
Pupils from Redden Court School, in Cotswold Road, Harold Wood, took part in a specially arranged Chinese cultural workshop and produced drawings inspired by Chinese art.
Among the guests were Li Jia, a renowned expert in Chinese calligraphy and Ping Wong, a writer and teacher of Mandarin.
Music was also part of the experience and Year 9 pupil Ting Ting gave a recital on the Guzheng - a 21 string musical instrument.
The workshop came ahead of a new initiative by the school to teach Mandarin starting in September.
Teacher Meg Ryan said: “The more we can introduce different cultures to our students the more this will foster a spirit of international friendship.”
Headteacher Paul Ward: “This was an important event - that our students really enjoyed.
“I am pleased to announce that from September Mandarin will be taught at Redden court school in after school sessions.
“China is a very important country so learning to communicate in one of the main Chinese languages will be a great asset to our students.”
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