He wants to visit China one day to improve his language skills further while exploring the country's diverse landscapes and seeing pandas. He also hopes his future career path will keep him "connected to China".

Along with workshops, students performed Chinese songs, posed for photos with a panda mascot, and received souvenirs.

Patrick Adamson, deputy head teacher of Calday Grange Grammar School, says that learning Chinese enables students to "engage with China not as just a concept but as a living, dynamic culture" and "foster curiosity, empathy, and respect for global perspectives".

"We are preparing a generation not just to speak Mandarin but to speak across borders, to listen across cultures, and lead with understanding," he notes.