Cultural Capital

East Asian Cultures

February is the month where we look to the East and to the Confucian cultures in and around China, Korea and Japan. It is the month (normally) of Chinese New Year, so a lot of cultural activity in and around the City of London and Westminster where large parties are thrown in celebration of the changing of the Lunar year.

Literacy & Language

East Asian Myths & Legends

China and East Asia is the land of Dragons, of Taoist Immortals and Monkey God Kings; it's the land of Buddha, and roaming Ronin and Samurai; it's the Warring States and tales of chivalric heroism of the likes of Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei. Its magical and mysterious, but focussed on developing the character of the child in the ways only Confucius knew how....

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Arts Programme

East Asian Textiles

We'll be looking at the silk worm, and its husbandry - and how China kept it a secret for as long as it did. We'll look at Xipao's and Kimono and the traditional patterns and colour of East Asian imperial courts - and how Yellow is the colour of empire in Asia, whereas purple was the colour of the roman imperials...

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Character Development

East Asian Thinkers

East Asia has been home to some of the biggest thinkers in human history. We always associated philosophical development with Socrates and the greeks, but on the other side of the world, the Warring States period (at broadly the same time) saw Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism all jockey for power as the state adopted philosophy to unite China. We look at Buddhism and Shintoism as religions that spread from India and Japan

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Arts Programme

East Asian Artists

We take a look at East Asian art forms - from the beautiful cherry blossom paintings of Japan through to the mystical water colours of ancient China, and how nature and the natural world has always been central to artistic thinking. We look at contemporary artists emerging as well - from Cai guoqiang to Ai Weiwei, with trips to the Tate Modern to back up the exploration!

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Music Programme

East Asian Traditional Music

Traditional East Asian music holds immense cultural significance in the region. It is a reflection of the history, traditions, and values of the East Asian countries. Music has always played a vital role in the lives of people, serving as a means of communication, storytelling, and celebration. It is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of East Asian societies, connecting people to their heritage and identity.

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Be the best parent you can be

Hatching Dragons Blog

We keep our community up to date with activities and the best of early years methodologies and parenting tips to keep you up to date with how to be the best parent you can be...