Celebrating Joint Festivals Patriotic Education at Hiba Academy Hangzhou

As the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day approach, Hiba Academy Hangzhou Primary School has designed and carried out a series of patriotic activities under the theme of 'Love for Home and Country'. With a diverse array of engaging formats, these activities encompass historical education, traditional cultural experiences and festive celebrations, aiming to help pupils remember history, appreciate culture, strengthen their sense of identity and cultivate deep patriotic sentiments through learning and practice.

On Monday morning, all teachers and pupils gathered with reverence for a solemn flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, also known as the Anti-Fascist War. 

The national flag rose slowly to the sound of the national anthem, while pupils and staff stood in respectful salute. Through a solemn speech, the children learned that today's happiness and prosperity are hard-won, achieved through the struggles and sacrifices of countless heroes. They deeply appreciated the preciousness of victory and further strengthened their patriotic spirit and collective pride. 

Ceremonies like this not only enhance pupils' understanding and respect for history but also plant the seeds of love for their country and a sense of responsibility in their hearts. 

The Reading of Ode to the Motherland

The classroom is both a fertile ground for thought and the main arena of education. 

In the themed lesson, pupils watched a solemn video of the military parade. Amid the rhythmic marching, disciplined formations and grand display of military equipment, the children felt the might of the Chinese armed forces and the strength of their nation. 

Pupils Watching the Military Parade

Teachers explained the concept and significance of the parade clearly, helping pupils understand the national dignity and power it symbolises. An interactive segment allowed the children to identify naval, army and air force equipment, sparking lively discussions on the relationship between national defence and security.  

Pupils' National Defence Knowledge Competition

This was not merely a history or national defence lesson but an emotional experience. Through discussion, pupils came to a shared understanding: “A strong country needs us. Our generation must study diligently so that we can contribute to the nation in the future.” 

Staff Watching the Military Parade

On Friday, the Primary School held a themed assembly in the grand theatre, combining the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, Ethnic Costume Day and Anti-Fascist Commemoration into a rich cultural event for the pupils. 

Three groups of 4B families prepared short plays on the theme of Mid-Autumn, through which the children experienced the warmth of family reunion. Teachers and pupils also watched patriotic historical short films, revisiting heroic stories of selfless service for the nation, and gaining a profound appreciation for peace and the value of a happy life. 

Class 4B presented an enchanting performance entitled 'Ethnic Charm Invites the Moon', showcasing unity and the cultural charm of the Chinese nation. The assembly also featured clips of the military parade, allowing pupils to witness the strength of the nation's armed forces firsthand. The highlight was a chorus of 'My Motherland and I', with stirring voices filling the grand theatre and lifting patriotic sentiment to its peak. 

Through these performances, screenings and interactions, pupils experienced patriotism and the richness of Chinese culture on multiple sensory and emotional levels, truly appreciating the meaning of unity between family and country during the twin festivals. 

On Friday, pupils donned Hanfu, cheongsam, or traditional ethnic attire, walking into school with joy and pride. 

Clothing carries culture and reflects civilisation. The campus transformed into a moving exhibition of Chinese attire, showcasing the elegance of Hanfu, the grace of cheongsam and the vibrant colours of ethnic dress, all of which highlighted the nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage. 

As pupils admired and exchanged thoughts, they felt the depth and breadth of Chinese culture. Teachers used this opportunity to explain the rituals and stories behind each costume, helping pupils understand that 'the beauty of traditional attire is not only external elegance but also cultural identity and spiritual heritage.'

This activity allowed pupils to experience the unique charm of Chinese civilisation while strengthening their cultural confidence and national pride.  

In the festive atmosphere, warmth and sweetness filled the school. 

At the week's end, Grade 1 and 2 pupils gathered with their parents for a mooncake-making activity. From kneading the dough to wrapping the filling and pressing the moulds, every step was filled with laughter. With guidance from parents and teachers, pupils crafted their own delicious mooncakes. 

As the sweet aroma filled the room, children's faces beamed with delight. The small mooncakes symbolised family reunion and reflected the deeper meaning that 'home is the smallest nation, and the nation comprises millions of homes'. 

Through hands-on experience and sharing, pupils not only felt the warmth of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also embraced the sentiment of 'celebrating home and country together' as the two festivals converged. 

This week's series of activities nurtured the hearts of the pupils, subtly embedding patriotic education and cultural heritage into their minds. 

They learned to remember history in the flag-raising ceremony, strengthened their resolve by watching the military parade, inherited culture on Ethnic Costume Day, and experienced familial warmth in mooncake-making. Each activity planted a seed, quietly taking root and growing into a towering tree that will support the nation's future.