Japanese students from Chaucer College volunteered this weekend at the Will Adams Festival in Gillingham. Will Adams was the first English man to visit Japan and one of very small number of Westerners to ever reach the honoured position of Samurai. Will Adams came from humble beginnings but eventually rose to the position of pilot major where he led an expedition to Japan in 1598, hoping to open up new realms for trading. After a disastrous voyage the expedition landed in Japan and was nearly executed. However the Shogun took a liking to Will and kept him on as a trusted adviser. In time he became so valued that he was forbidden from ever returning home to his wife. In his time Will was bestowed great wealth and respect and was presented with two swords which heralded his transformation from Will Adams the sailor to Miura Anjin the Samurai. ‘The people of this Land of Japan are good of nature, courteous above measure, and valiant in war: their justice is severely executed without any partiality upon transgressors of the law. They are governed in great civility. I mean, not a land better governed in the world by civil policy. The people be very superstitious in their religion, and are of diverse opinions.’ Will Adams – Letter to his wife

Students at Chaucer College have a long history of volunteering with organisations around Kent. The successful volunteering programme fosters links between Chaucer College and the surrounding community and gives the students an invaluable opportunity to practise their English in a practical and realistic context. We have had many students receiving awards for their contribution to the community.  The students are actively involved in events and projects which enable them to be a valuable part of a British community as well as reinforcing the practical elements of learning. Giving back to the community promotes co-operation and community spirit which helps students become honourable and decent citizens in line with the founding principles of Chaucer College.

Visitors from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen with English UK. Agents take a tour of Chaucer College Canterbury as part of a week long trip exploring English Language Schools in the UK.

Students had a fantastic evening creating and performing music. One of our Italian groups shared their musical heritage with an enthusiastic performance of the folk song ‘Bella Ciao’. With accompaniments from our talented activity leaders.

The whole college, staff and students, came together at the end of the day to perform the traditional Japanese dance Sōran Bushi (Fisherman’s Dance) under the expert guidance of our Shumei students. The dance acts out the ocean waves, fishermen dragging nets, pulling ropes and lifting luggage over their shoulders. This dance is taught in many schools across Japan as part of the curriculum.