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On 22 February, 2025, the Final Competition of the 4th Chinese Teaching Championship for English-Speaking Countries in Europe successfully concluded in London, followed by an award ceremony that evening. Distinguished guests, including Zhang Jin, Minister Counsellor for Education at the Chinese Embassy in the UK; Liu Jianqing, Deputy Director of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of China’s Ministry of Education; and Ralph Rogers, China Affairs Director at the British Council, attended the event and presented awards to the finalists.

As one of the most prestigious Chinese teaching competitions in English-speaking Europe, the event attracted over 100 Chinese language educators from the UK and Ireland, aiming to enhance teaching quality and promote cultural exchange between China and the UK. After multiple rounds of selection, Li Jiaying and Yi Qi, lecturers from the Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Confucius Institute (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI), advanced to the final. Li Jiaying distinguished herself in the adult students category with her outstanding teaching techniques and innovative lesson design, earning third place. This achievement marks a historic breakthrough for Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI and a significant milestone in Leicester’s Chinese language education.

Showcasing Innovation in Chinese Language Education

Li Jiaying’s lesson focused on Leicester’s Chinese New Year celebrations, incorporating real-life cultural experiences and integrating students’ personal stories into the teaching content. Her approach seamlessly combined grammar instruction with authentic examples from local students and community celebrations, creating an immersive language-learning environment. This dynamic and engaging teaching method not only enriched the classroom experience but also highlighted Leicester’s appreciation of Chinese New Year traditions, setting a new standard for Chinese language education at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI.

Strengthening Leicester’s Role in International Chinese Education

As the only Confucius Institute in Leicester, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI has long been dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and fostering cross-cultural exchange. With both Yi Qi and Li Jiaying reaching the final and Li securing an award, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI’s excellence in Chinese language teaching has gained further recognition. This success has also drawn greater attention to Leicester as an emerging hub for international Chinese education and cultural exchange.

Leicester, a vibrant and multicultural city, has made great strides in internationalization in recent years. The outstanding performance of Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI in this competition adds another cultural highlight to the city. Looking ahead, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI will continue to deliver high-quality Chinese language programs and diverse cultural initiatives, strengthening Leicester’s ties with China and further advancing UK-China educational collaboration.

In an increasingly globalized world, language serves as both a means of communication and a bridge for cultural exchange. Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ CI sees this competition as an opportunity to refine its localized teaching strategies, expand Chinese language education in Leicester and beyond, and provide more people with the chance to explore Chinese culture through language learning—building stronger connections between China and the UK.