On 26 November 2023, in a display of his teaching excellence, Leo Zhenglang Chen, Lancaster University Confucius Institute teacher, stood out in the Primary and Secondary School Category of the Third Chinese Teaching Championship for English Speaking Countries in Europe - 2023 Central and North England Competition, successfully advancing to the finals in Europe earlier next year.

Leo Zhenglang Chen is based at Hawes Side Academy in Blackpool, which is one of Lancaster University Confucius Institute's Confucius Classrooms. At Hawes Side Academy, Chinese is taught as part of the curriculum.

With his well-designed activities and innovative approaches that emphasize interactive and engaging lessons, Leo Zhenglang Chen earned accolades from all sides. Emerging victorious, he expressed, ‘I have learnt quite a lot from my fellow contestants, and I am in the flush of victory after securing the unexpected first prize which affirmed my efforts. I am grateful for the support of Lancaster University Confucius Institute.’

The competition was jointly organized by the Organizing Committee of the Chinese Teaching Championship for English Speaking Countries in Europe, Chinese Proficiency Test UK Committee and the British Chinese Language Teaching Society. Its purpose is to elevate the quality of Chinese language teaching, facilitate the exchange of Chinese teaching practices, establish a platform for communication among Chinese teachers in the European English-speaking region and recognize teachers who demonstrate outstanding performance in Chinese language instruction.

The Lancaster University Confucius Institute team would like to congratulate Leo Zhenglang Chen on this fantastic achievement and wish him the best of luck in the European finals!