A new Transition Year module is to be rolled out in Irish secondary schools today (May 3rd), as part of a plan to introduce a short course in Chinese for Junior Cert students.

By 2014, pupils will have the option of studying the language and culture with Chinese eventually becoming a Leaving Cert subject, the Irish Independent reports.

The move comes as Ireland continues to forge strong trade links with the country and it aims to encourage curiosity about the nation among Irish students.

Among the topics being offered as part of the subject are martial arts, tea-making, ancient Chinese medicine, paper-cutting and modern student life.

The Transition Year module has been developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the UCD Confucius Institute.

Having been founded in 2006, the latter aims to promote awareness of Chinese language and culture in Ireland, as well as offering services to public and private sectors to deepen economic relationships between the two nations.

Written by Donal Walsh

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