A new Confucius classroom hub has opened in the north-east of Scotland.
This is the eighth to open in Scotland, fulfilling an agreement that Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) signed with the Chinese authorities in April 2008 to open eight hubs within one year.
The latest hub is based at Hazlehead Academy in Aberdeen and will provide a central learning point to primary and secondary schools for Chinese culture, language, heritage, history, art, food, music and sport.
The hub has to cover Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray and to do this will it use Glow, the innovative intranet for Scottish schools, to share resources.
Schools Minister Keith Brown said in a statement: "The influence that China has on the world economy is increasing and it is important that we do all we can to prepare our young people for life in a globalised, multicultural society.
"The north-east Confucius classroom hub will benefit many pupils across the entire region. The hub is leading the way for developing resources that schools can share online and the other hubs across Scotland will be looking to learn from the approach taken in the north-east."
He added: "Pupils from the north-east will be among the 50 young people who will take part in a study visit to China this summer and be immersed in Chinese language and culture, enabling the hub to share first-hand experiences of China."
Bernard McLeary, chief executive of LTS, which supports all eight Confucius classrooms across the country, said: "The north-east hub will take full advantage of the benefits of Glow to allow teachers and pupils in each local authority to collaborate with each other, share resources and experiences and link up with other schools in China, all in a safe and secure online environment.
"Young Scots need to be outward looking, not only to face the challenges of globalisation but to embrace the opportunities it offers and the Confucius hubs are helping develop pupils' skills and experiences and open up new horizons for their future. Developing an international education within curriculum for excellence ensures these skills are embedded in learning throughout education.
"This is an innovative hub, not only in the technology and resources it will be using but also as it brings together four local authorities to work in partnership, building on and sharing experience."
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