Health and Social Care students recently joined in celebrations as they ushered in the Year of the Snake as part of their Equality and Diversity studies at Level 2 and Level 3. It was an ideal opportunity to visit Newcastle upon Tyne, the City of Culture, to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Our visit started on Sunday morning with a visit to the Catholic Cathedral for Mass. This was an excellent opportunity for students to speak to the Priest, older congregation and light candles. With not a minute to spare we made our way to the Chinese market where we stocked up on fortune cookies, toy dragons and traditional arts and crafts. Our students braved the drop in temperature and listened to the speeches held by key representatives of the Chinese community and Newcastle City Council. It was here we witnessed the "Eye Dotting Ceremony", which involved the new Chinese dragon being woken from his slumber to the sound of firecrackers. We moved swiftly to Stowell Street where we became part of the procession led by the Chinese dragon and students were able to sample Chinese foods in an exhibition held by The North East Chinese Association.

After lunch, we made our way up to Dance City for the Chinese Garden Party. Chinese Students from Newcastle University gave us a real understanding of Chinese culture, which involved taking part in Chinese activities and games. Students competed for traditional prizes by taking part in games such as a three-legged race, blowing a ball through flour and trying to keep a Chinese shuttlecock in the air with only their foot. We took part in "small face-painting' and Chinese writing workshops before leaving for a long walk back to our accommodation. We spent our evening in a local Chinese restaurant and sampled their fantastic cuisine.

Early the next day we caught the Metro to Gosforth for our next cultural stop - The Synagogue. We learned about Jewish culture and religious laws, and how being a Jew is not just about beliefs, it is a way of life. We were shown around the Jewish kitchen by Mrs Van der Velde, who talked to students about food preparation and how being a Jew influences her family life. Mrs Van der Velde made us very welcome and students were encouraged to ask questions - of which there were many!

The trip was an excellent way for students to learn about, and appreciate, the diverse cultures that surround us. By taking part in a variety of celebrations and meeting members of different communities they have gained a much greater understanding than could have been achieved in a classroom setting.