STUDY the past if you would define the future.Chinese philosopher Confucius has had a tremendous influence on the culture and history of East Asia.Now Ballarat students will get to experience the Chinese way of life with the opening on Saturday of the Mt Clear College Confucius Classroom and Ballarat-Nanjing Cultural Exchange.The centre, located in GPlace, the former Golden Point Primary School, will provide resources for students and adults learning the Chinese language and is the first of its kind in Australia. Mt Clear College business manager Peta Gillespie said it was an exciting day."We've really recognised China as an emerging influence," she said."I'm staggered by the support here today."The programs and courses will be delivered together with Mt Clear's Chinese partner school Nanjing No. 1 Middle School, which is based in Victorian Chinese Sister State, Jiangsu Province.The opening ceremony attracted Australian and Chinese officials, partner school principals and staff, and Ballarat community representatives. Member for Ballarat Catherine King MHR said Mt Clear had taken a significant step towards engagement with Asia through the Confucius Classroom."It will provide a valuable opportunity for students to enrich their understanding of Chinese culture, history and language," she said."The establishment of similar Confucius Classrooms across the country will continue to strengthen relations between Australia and China and enhance people-to-people ties."The project has strong support from the City of Ballarat, the University of Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Grammar School and the Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.