Mao’s Last Dancer - Discussion Panel

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the third year of the Mao’s Last Dancer discussion panel was ZOOMed into Year 8 English classrooms. The panel featured insightful speeches from Executive Officer- International Program Augustinian School Australia, Ms Vivian Cao, Chinese International EAL/D students Tony Gao (Year 9) and Gehret Zhu (Year 10), and Chinese teacher Mr Mark Hall. The event is designed to complement the Year 8 English Identity unit focusing on Li Cunxin’s memoir, Mao’s Last Dancer, and provide Year 8 students with an understanding of the contextual background of Communist China and Chinese culture in a more relatable manner.

Ms Vivian Cao presented some family photos and spoke to the boys about the intense pressures she experienced during her Chinese schooling. For six days each week, she attended school from 7:30am- 9pm in classes of 108 students and spent an additional three hours completing homework each night. Furthermore, Ms Vivian explained how Chinese thoughts, attitudes and evaluations on an event may considerably differ from western countries due to their cultural differences and experiences.

Tony Gao (Year 9) echoed Ms Vivian’s words when revealing his admiration of Chairman Mao, the founding father of modern China, and his personal experiences of the extremely high expectations Chinese teachers and parents impose upon students. Tony entertained the boys with tales of being forced to learn from his incorrect test responses by rewriting the correct answer fifty times for every error. In addition, Tony explained the difference between Qingdao and Beijing and the cultural significance of Chinese names and food.

Gehret Zhu (Year 10) confirmed Tony’s assessment of the greater pressures on students in China in comparison to western countries. Gehret’s experience of studying in California for two years prior to commencing at St Augustine’s College this term enabled him to share his perspective on studying in three countries. Most notably, his attempt to describe a taco by comparing it to dumplings was well received by the Year 8 students.

The final speaker, Mr Mark Hall, reflected on his years living in China to outline the more controversial western perspective of Chairman Mao’s reign. He guided the Year 8 students on a whirlwind journey through the rise of Mao Zedong’s CCP- Communist China Party, The Great Leap Forward (1958-59) and The Cultural Revolution facilitated by the fearsome Red Guards. In addition, Mr Hall shared personal experiences of his wife’s estrangement from her sisters and the hardships and physical punishments her uncle endured.

For another year, the discussion panel was a rewarding learning experience and a successful presentation of the valuable contributions and rich diversity the Chinese International EAL/D students provide for our Augustinian community. Both Tony and Gehret encouraged the Year 8 students to appreciate the freedom of the Australian school system.

“I really enjoyed learning more about the history of China. The aspect of the panel I found the most interesting was Tony and Gehret comparing the schooling and punishments in China with Australia.” – Aiden O’Donoughue (Year 8)

“It was interesting learning about the everyday life of students in China and their respect for Chairman Mao. I also liked Tony’s comparisons between Li’s home in Qingdao and the capital, Beijing.” – Simon Taylor (Year 8)

“The speakers showed us a different perspective of Mao as a respected and admired leader.” – Jackson Elepano (Year 8)