Children in Moray schools may have the opportunity to learn Mandarin from next summer.
The move to host the language – which would become the third taught in schools alongside French and German – is being suggested because of China’s economic value in the world.
Laurence Findlay, head of schools and curriculum development, said: “If the bid is successful the resource would be a Chinese classroom within one school and one teacher.
“The youngsters would come into the based school or the teacher would go to the various schools.
“Last Friday there was a Chinese-Scottish network day in Elphinstone Hall in Aberdeen with Aberlour nursery having 40 children and Keith Primary was also there.
“Currently we have a Chinese volunteer who is teaching modern languages at Forres Academy so she can pass on the language to the pupils.”
At the council’s children and young people’s services committee yesterday, Labour’s education spokesman Sean Morton said: “I am delighted that we are pitching to have a Chinese classroom in Moray. The chance to host one of these classrooms is incredibly exciting.
“I have spoken in committee about the need for our young people to learn a foreign language and as China is now an economic powerhouse it makes sense that Moray pupils learn Mandarin.
“Other nations are equipping their young people with the skills they need to compete in the global market place and knowledge of Mandarin is highly desirable.
“I hope that we are successful and that Mandarin can become another language option in Moray alongside traditional choices like French or German.”
A recent report published by the British Council entitled Languages for the Future identified Mandarin Chinese as one of the most important language for this country’s future.