It was a week of Chinese culture and cuisine for Year 3 pupils from Golden Grove School-Ysgol Gelli Aur last week. The pupils in both English and Welsh streams have been looking into Chinese culture around the Chinese New Year. During a whole school assembly on Tuesday, all the pupils heard about the significance and history of animals in the Chinese zodiac. There was much amusement when they were told of the animal which represented their birth year. The following day saw a collection of pupils busy making lanterns and other decorations for their classrooms. The highlight of the insight to the New Year was the attendance of Jason Crabtree from Wales Lau Gar Kung Fu who took the Year 3 pupils through the dance routines associated with the Chinese lions.

Pupils took it turns to wear and dance in the splendid Chinese lion costumes and to play the cymbals while Jason beat out the rhythms of a lion's day on his drum. The school hall at times represented a busy carnival atmosphere.

Jason was full of praise for the pupils taking part and he thanked those who had been able to dress up to represent the zodiac animals. He was particularly complimentary about one very splendid headdress made by one of the pupils in the Welsh class.

After a busy session of music and dancing, the pupils were treated to a sumptuous Chinese banquet at The Pembroke Carvery. For some, it was a first introduction to the different types of Chinese cooking, the smiles on their faces was proof positive of a great time being had by all.

The school would like to thank Jason for all his hard work and the proprietor and staff of The Pembroke Carvery for their hospitality.