At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Barnard Castle, our children have been embracing the excitement of Chinese New Year, and 2026 brings the fiery energy of the Year of the Fire Horse—a zodiac sign symbolising independence, ambition, strength, and unstoppable enthusiasm!

Across the school, pupils have been exploring the traditions, symbolism, and creativity of this wonderful cultural celebration.

Fire Horse Sun Catchers in Owls Class

To mark the start of Chinese New Year, Owls Class created vibrant Fire Horse sun catchers, inspired by the powerful qualities of this zodiac animal. The finished pieces look absolutely fabulous—full of colour, imagination, and personality.

As the children crafted, Nathaniel took on the role of class zodiac expert!
He helped everyone calculate their own Chinese zodiac animal and even compared the animal traits to see how closely they matched each pupil’s personality.

Thank you, Nathaniel, for leading such an insightful—and very fun—activity!

EYFS Explore Chinese New Year Through Play and Creativity

Our youngest learners in Little Wrens and Robins have also been fully immersed in Chinese New Year festivities. Through hands‑on activities and rich continuous provision, they have been discovering more about this important festival.

The children have been:

  • Using their amazing artistic skills to create colourful themed artwork with lots of “dab, dab, dabbing!”
  • Designing and dancing with their very own Chinese dragons
  • Taking part in a joyful celebration parade around the classroom and outdoor area
  • Learning about traditions, customs, and stories that help build cultural appreciation

It has been wonderful to see our EYFS pupils so engaged—laughing, learning, creating, and proudly sharing their knowledge with others.

Celebrating Respect, Diversity, and Cultural Awareness

Across St Mary’s, we encourage our children to explore and appreciate traditions from around the world. Celebrating Chinese New Year helps deepen their understanding of:

  • Cultural diversity
  • Global awareness
  • Respect for different customs and beliefs
  • A sense of belonging within a rich, multicultural world

Well done to all our pupils—your enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity have made this celebration so special.

We are incredibly proud of the way you embrace new learning experiences with open hearts and open minds.

Chinese New Year 2026