More resources for the teaching of Chinese are needed “as soon as possible”.

As the language’s popularity grows in schools, the Scotland China Education Network has outlined its determination to make more materials available. The network, widely known as SCEN, will explore possibilities with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Learning and Teaching Scotland.

The need for more resources emerged from a SCEN focus group in January, whose recommendations were circulated last week.

The group wants to persuade heads of the need to offer placements to postgraduate student teachers of Chinese. It also backs a proposed support programme for Chinese teachers, which LTS has agreed to take on.

Members believe, too, that they need to get heads more involved in discussions about “ambitious but practical ways of introducing and developing Chinese and China studies in their schools”.

SCEN last week published its plan for 2010-2013, which includes “embedding Chinese language and culture in the curriculum for all young people in Scotland”, and training Chinese teachers throughout Scotland.

Priorities for 2010 include a series of pupil conferences, enabling more young people to benefit from business contacts in China, and providing support to the new network of Chinese teachers due to be launched by LTS this year.

Meanwhile, entries are again being invited for an annual competition in Edinburgh to design a Chinese mask. The masks will be displayed during a celebration of Chinese culture at Liberton High on February 20.

Hui McCulloch T: 07813 004978, E: fredanghh@yahoo.co.uk

Beverley Guild T: 01506 856402.