WHEN we think of children learning languages at school the European standards - French, German and Spanish, spring immediately to mind, but at one York school youngsters are taking time out after class to learn Chinese.

These aren't secondary aged students, but primary school youngsters at Badger Hill School in York who attend classes with the Happy Chinese School as part of an after- school club once a week.

The pioneering course for Year 4 students in the Badger Hill Primary School has been very successful and the responses from students, parents and teachers have been very positive.

By introducing Chinese language and culture at such an early stage, the language course aims to provide children with a great opportunity to learn Chinese language, to lay a foundation for future Chinese learning and to build their long-term interests in the language, culture and tradition of the eastern country.

Mum Sue Varndell has been taking part in the classes with her eight-year-old son, Aaron, and rates them very highly.

She said: "It's been really interesting for us both to learn the basics of the language. I have been finding it a struggle, but Aaron has really enjoyed it and it's nice for them at this age to be given a great opportunity to learn about such a different country and its culture."

Aaron said: "Chinese is cool, it's fun and it's a great language to learn. It's kind of hard, but I like the different sounds and saying things like xie xie ni, which is thank you."

Fellow classmate Tom Miller, ten, said: "I have learned ni hao, which means hello, and zia jian, which is bye bye.

"It's something to do other than stay at home. It's like a very hard language, but it isn't taught anywhere else and I'm really enjoying it."

There are about 1.4 billion people - a fifth of the world's population - who speak Chinese languages.

George Xia, the Happy Chinese School's headmaster, said he has been amazed by the abilities of the youngsters.

The Happy Chinese School is a non-profit making language school founded by Mr Xia, a University of York graduate.

Mr Xia believes he is the first person to launch a Chinese course for children at a primary or secondary school in the country.

He said: "Our teachers are fully qualified native Chinese speakers with fluent English.

"They have received good training in Chinese language teaching. Some of them have been awarded degrees in education and language studies in the UK.

"The others are professional and experienced language teachers who are doing PhDs at the University of York.

"All our teachers are dedicated to providing personal and individualised attention to their students."

The lessons run from 3.30pm to 4.15pm every Thursday at Badger Hill and cost £5 per pupil per lesson, which goes towards paying for the room hire and teachers wages.