Children at Avanti Park School, Frome have been celebrating, learning and embracing the Chinese New Year.

Did you know that this Chinese New Year marks the year of the Tiger? There are in fact 12 animal zodiac signs each with their unique characteristics. If you were born in 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, or 1962 you were born in year of the Tiger. Now, what are the characteristics typically displayed by Tigers? It appears that they are expressive, courageous, with a bit of a stubborn streak! They also tend to make quick decisions and do not waver –in fact there may well be a few tigers at Avanti Park! With the zodiac aspects aside, we know you would like to know more about how the children and teachers at Avanti Park School made the Chinese New Year 'come alive'. Parts of the school were decorated in yellow, gold and red bunting. This made a great backdrop for the Tiger Procession which all of years one and two took part in. There was a lot of growling and menacing clawing as the huge, long tiger wove its way underneath the bright colours of Chinese New Year. All year groups chose an aspect of Chinese New Year to focus on, as part of a humanities session. Activities included marking China and the surrounding countries of South East Asia on a map, writing about hopes and goals for the future and finding out more about the Chinese Zodiac story. There were also lots of opportunities for creative work including making lantern sun-catchers, Willow Pattern plates, dragon spirals and tiger masks. It was great fun finding out which zodiac sign we are in Year 6. Lots of rabbits and tigers plus a monkey teacher. A beautiful display was set up in the Primary building for all the children to enjoy, that included some foods, books and most importantly, a pot of green shoots. New Year is all about new beginnings and these healthy-looking green shoots are the sign of hopes for the future. It is traditional for children around the world to be given little red envelopes full of money as part of this celebration. One class were a little disappointed to learn that they would not be providing them with such a treat. However, they did enjoy a fortune cookie. Festivals are an important part of our unique offer here at Avanti Park. The aim to give the children a global perspective and an understanding of the world beyond Frome. By celebrating festivals such as Mid-Winter and Day of the Dead, the children have fun and deepen their understanding of different cultures. Celebrating a wide range of festivals allows them to develop the skills and attributes that they will need to go on to make the world a better place.