Celebrating luck and learning: galloping into Chinese New Year with CCC

Students and colleagues gathered ahead of the Year of the Fire Horse to share food, celebrate good fortune and develop their awareness of Chinese New Year.

Students at Capital City College’s (CCC) Sixth Form campus in Angel enjoyed a Chinese New Year event last month.

Visitors to the event were able to take part in various interactive activities, such as learning which of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals correlated to their birth year. Each animal carries with it a specific set of characteristics and personality traits. In 2026, the year changed from the Year of the Wood Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse on 17 February. 

In addition to games and activities, students and staff also had the opportunity to try a selection of traditional Chinese baked treats, which were provided by Larry Poon, Work Experience Placement Officer. 

Chinese New Year often involves themes of luck and good fortune, so visitors to the event enjoyed fortune cookies and scratch cards revealing positive predictions for the coming year. There was also a prize raffle with a self-care hamper going to the lucky winner.

The Chinese New Year event offered an opportunity for students to learn more about Chinese customs and broaden their cultural awareness through activities, community engagement and celebration. 

The event was organised by Enrichment Officers Saranya Jeyarajah, Aleena Sharif, and Fiona Small, in collaboration with Shirley Wong, Group Head of School for A Levels and members of the Student Executive team.

Fiona Small, Enrichment Officer at CCC, said: “We wanted to make this a fun celebration and get them [students] talking about everything Chinese New Year-related. It was a pleasure to be part of such an event and collaborate with the different staff.”

Larry Poon, Work Experience Placement Officer, said: “The event was so much fun. I thought the learners were engaged and really interested in what was happening.”

Shirley Wong, Group Head of School for A Levels, said: “It was a wonderful celebration, and it was so lovely to see students involved, try new foods and ask about Chinese New Year. Truly a fantastic way to end the half term.”

At the college’s King’s Cross campus, students also got involved with learning about Chinese stories and cultural traditions at a vibrant event featuring Chinese food and a special performance of traditional Chinese dance.

Puneet Dhaliwal, Assistant Principal at King’s Cross campus: “Welcoming Chinese New Year with flavour, movement and joy — students explored traditional foods, drinks and snacks, and celebrated together through the energy and rhythm of traditional Chinese dance.”

At CCC, we build community and embrace the rich cultural diversity of our staff and student body all year round. With events such as these, along with our membership of organisations such as Race Equality Matters, we continue to show our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion through meaningful activities.

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