On 9 November 2018 a group of eight heads and deputies, who work at schools in London, set off on a 10 day educational trip to China. The trip, which involved visiting 3 cities including Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai, was organised by CITCM and supported by Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) and Harbin Normal University (CITCM’s Chinese partner university).
Whilst in China the delegation visited two primary schools. At these schools, the delegation observed a variety of classes ranging from formal Maths and English lessons to more leisurely afterschool clubs. They also had the opportunity to have formal discussions with the schools’ teachers and leaders. During the discussions the delegates asked a wide variety of questions, and also shared their own experiences and thoughts. This experience provided the delegates with a valuable insight into the Chinese education system.
During the trip the head teachers also gained a greater insight into Chinese culture by visiting points of cultural and historical interest. The most popular acitivities included feeding the Panda’s in Xian, having lunch in the Pearl Tower in Shanghai and seeing the Terracotta warriors. An increased understanding and awareness of Chinese culture will help to aid the development of the Chinese language and culture programmes in their schools.
Since 2007 CITCM has been working with primary and secondary schools in London, and due to the success of our efforts we now have over fifty partner school which have incorporated Mandarin teaching into their curriculum. Our work in schools provides pupils and students with the unique opportunity to learn Mandarin and to participate in diverse cultural activities. This trip to China will help to promote this work as the delegates will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience gained with their pupils and staff.
If you would like to learn more about our work with schools, or join a head teachers trip to China, please get in touch.