A PIONEERING independent school enjoyed a great ball with China.

St Gerard’s School is forging strong links with Bangor Chinese School and even hosted its New Year celebrations.

They joined forces at the weekend for a party and performance at the recently refurbished Ffriddoedd Road institution, which teaches Mandarin to students from across north west Wales.

The Chinese School – launched five years ago – is now based at St Gerard’s and holds classes every Sunday for up to 50 young people aged four to 18, with subjects including Maths and Coding.

Head Jiao Kun thanked the school for its warm welcome, notably headteacher Campbell Harrison and the leadership team, who spoke at the event and joined in with traditional games and activities.

“We had a fantastic time, and as this is the Chinese New Year of the Dragon it was fitting for us to bring Wales and China together in celebration,” she said.

“It is a significant event heralding a year of prosperity and good fortune as encapsulated by the phrase “Double Dragons Play with the Pearl”, and the dragon is a mythical creature, unique among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, with the others being real animals.

“We are dedicated to teaching Mandarin and Chinese culture to children of Chinese heritage and to local children interested in learning about the Chinese language, so for us to now be working closely with St Gerard’s is fantastic, especially as they have a significant number of Chinese students who learn Mandarin with us.

“The collaboration is a model of close cooperation and shared development, and we are excited to see how it develops.”

The occasion featured performances including Tai Chi, Chinese dance, and traditional Dragon and Lion dances by the students, emphasising the community’s hopes for a prosperous and auspicious 2024.

Mr Harrison said building an even stronger partnership with Bangor Chinese School will only benefit St Gerard’s, which has undergone a period of significant investment and redevelopment since last summer.

“We are an open and inclusive community, which stretches far, far beyond North Wales,” he added.

“We are so proud of our international students, and particularly the learners we have from China and other parts of the world.

“To be part of their celebrations was a huge honour for us, it’s a day we will never forget, and we look forward to working side by side for many years to come.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

Visit www.bangorchineseschool.org.uk for more news and information on Bangor Chinese School.

PROSPECTIVE pupils will experience the exciting new chapter being written at a leading independent school.

Following a period of significant investment and redevelopment, St Gerard’s School will host a taster day for learners and families tomorrow (Tuesday).

The cherished Bangor institution – which produces among the highest GCSE and A Levels results in Wales – has organised a series of lessons, workshops and activities covering a range of subjects including Science, Art, English, RPE (Religion Philosophy and Ethics) and Maths.

Past months have seen a transformation of the gardens, access, redecoration of buildings, and there is more to come, according to Deputy Headteacher Dr Joseph Matthews.

“As well as the physical improvements we’ve made to the school – and there are more to follow this year – we will be expanding our curriculum from September and introducing some BTEC qualifications and Medical Science, plus A Levels in Spanish, Business Studies and Psychology,” he said.

“The taster days will give learners and their parents or carers the opportunity to find out more about what’s on offer academically, but also the warm, welcoming environment we have here and plans for a new wellbeing trail, modern sports facilities and more.”

Headteacher Campbell Harrison added: “These events are important because they give Year 6 pupils a flavour of life at the school and what they can expect day to day, while staff can showcase why we are among the top independent schools in the country.

“And for those who are unable to attend we are available any time for you to come along and take a look around, find out more and discover why St Gerard’s is the perfect choice for your child.”

St Gerard’s unveiled fresh branding in December, and as part of the update will launch a new website in the Spring.

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said the school has built on its traditions and reputation while forging industry partnerships and further strengthening its position as a key employer and contributor to the local economy.

“We have long-term plans that will benefit not only the pupils but also the wider community and future generations in this area,” said Steve.

“While St Gerard’s is proud of its heritage, the developments that have taken place to upgrade facilities, equipment and the curriculum demonstrate its role as a forward-thinking institution and an attractive proposition for children in north west Wales and beyond.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

ST GERARD’S SCHOOL has undergone a period of significant development and investment in past months.

Improvements have been made to the building and gardens at the beloved Bangor institution, in addition to new fencing, better access, signage, lighting and landscaping.

Over the autumn, the independent school was sandblasted, the roof and guttering cleared, there was a revamp of  parent areas, the ‘mindfulness room’ and entrance, and a ‘wellbeing walk’ has been created in picturesque woodlands around the seven-acre site.

A ‘careers café’ was hosted in partnership with Bangor University, a state-of-the-art computer system implemented – streamlining communications with parents and carers, and internally among teachers, students, and staff – and to top it off their popular Bayside Radio show welcomed a very special guest to help raise their profile even further!

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said progress made since the beginning of the academic year has been “incredible” and revealed there is even more to come in the months ahead.

“We have been really busy making improvements and renovating areas around the buildings, as well upgrading the technology and IT infrastructure to ensure St Gerard’s remains at the forefront of academia in this region,” he said.

“The whole environment looks brighter, as you drive or walk onto the school grounds it looks so fresh and new, which is a real positive.”

Steve added: “And we were delighted to have architect and TV presenter George Clarke join our regular radio show, which focuses on health and wellbeing, education, and news from St Gerard’s.

“He was filming a programme locally and dropped in to show his support, which was fantastic.”

St Gerard’s headteacher Campbell Harrison says 2024 will bring even further good news and enhancement of the school’s sporting and academic facilities, with plans for a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and tennis courts on the horizon.”

“This is the first step in a series of improvements and upgrades,” he added.

“We are renowned for being one of the best independent schools in the country for education – our GCSE and A Levels results were again among the highest in North Wales during the summer – so for us now the focus is on maintaining and improving those standards while enhancing the environment for our learners.

“We have made a really good start, and the new year will see further developments so it’s an exciting time for everyone at St Gerard’s.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.