ST Mary's Primary gave a warm welcome to their new mandarin teacher as she arrived from China earlier this week.

Xinhua Wang made her first visit to the school to meet the children she will be teaching next year as part of their partnership with the Tianjin Education Department.

The school launched its Confucius hub in 2018 which has given primary one to seven pupils the opportunity to learn mandarin and gain knowledge about Chinese culture.

Head teacher Mary Hume says everyone has benefited from the unique partnership.

She told the News: "Pupils have really enjoyed learning a different language and some of the teachers have even been given the opportunity to go to China to learn more about the culture, which they have brought back and shared with the children.

"We are one of very few primary schools in Scotland who have the privilege of offering mandarin and everyone has really embraced the opportunity.

"We have even used it to create links across the curriculum to core subjects.

"We have also used it to take part in intergenerational activities, working with Hutton Park Care Home, where we visit residents to teach them mandarin songs and vocabulary.

"There have been studies to show that both kids and adults benefit from this kind of time together and has been shown to help elderly people, particularly those with dementia.

"Having small class sizes provides ideal opportunities for us to deliver this bespoke education." The school is keen to ensure more children and the wider community continues to benefit from the unique opportunities at the school.

Having recently received a glowing report from Education Scotland they are keen to ensure parents know that all children are welcome, no matter their religion.

Mrs Hume added: "Although we are a denominational school we have a considerable number of pupils who are not Catholics but who wish to have a bespoke curriculum and high level of pastoral care we are able to offer.

"A lot of parents recognise and relate to out school values of faith, compassion, ambition and respect and that is why they chose to send their children here.

"We want the local community and anyone interested to know that we are fully inclusive of all religions, cultures and customs.

"I treasure the opportunities welcomed into the school on a regular basis and the chance to see the work of children celebrated.

"St Mary's is also one of the few schools which offers work placement for pupils with national and local businesses.

"These partnerships have been running for four years and are greatly valued by the pupils and parents.

"We have a genuine open door policy and would much rather parents spoke to use directly with any concerns.

"We would welcome the opportunity to meet any interested families who would like to walk around the school and have a friendly informal chat."