The Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools is part of Scotland's National Centre for Languages which supports a wealth of language learning and diversity across Scotland's communities. As a nation, we are developing the language skills that equip us for life in a globally interdependent world, thus contributing to a fairer, smarter, more successful Scotland. We achieve this by promoting and supporting high quality language learning and fostering a climate that celebrates all languages.
Launched in June 2012, the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools (CISS) is the first government initiated Confucius Institute in the UK, jointly established by the University of Strathclyde, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages and the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission.
CISS shares the bold vision of Scotland’s National Centre for Languages and of the Scottish Government’s China Engagement Strategy. We create opportunities and widen access for learners in our schools and the wider community to develop the knowledge, skills and cultural awareness required of citizens in the globally interdependent world of the 21st century.
We achieve this through our partnership with the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission and our network of Confucius Classroom hubs. The hubs provide high-quality, progressive language learning experiences for all as well as rich, inclusive opportunities for personal development which promote cultural understanding. We facilitate educational and cultural exchange and research between China and Scotland so that our two countries may continue to share expertise and learn from each other.
Our Aims
- to provide strategic leadership, direction and professional learning for the Confucius Classroom Hubs. We do this to promote high quality language learning and teaching experiences in line with Scotland's national priorities.
- to highlight and demonstrate the benefits of learning about Chinese language and culture as a means of developing intercultural competencies so that Mandarin is recognised widely as a key skill for life and work.
- to facilitate language-related research, share information and enable knowledge exchange between Scotland and China.
Our Partnership Agreements
- strengthen educational cooperation between China and Scotland
- support and promote development of Chinese language education
- increase mutual understanding among young people in China and Scotland
The Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools was established in 2012 in partnership with Tianjin Municipal Education Commission.