A distinguished delegation from China visited two schools in England to gain insights into the UK’s school system. The group comprised about 20 delegates, including researchers from educational research institutions and head teachers from senior high schools.
Hosted by Crayfish.io, the delegation visited Hills Road Six Form College in Cambridge and Ipswich High School on Nov 20th and 21st respectively, during the England leg of its UK learning tour.
The primary objective of their visit was to understand best practices in the UK, both in state and independent schools, as part of a provincial-level effort to reform and enhance the school evaluation system.
Roundtable and campus tours
The Chinese delegation participated in roundtable discussions with the two hosting schools and toured the campuses.
Hills Road Sixth Form College Cambridge, founded in 1974, provides A-level education to 2,900 students. The college has consistently been rated “Outstanding” in all key judgements by Ofsted and has remained at the top of national rankings for many years.
The delegation was impressed by the college’s approach to academic excellence, extensive enrichment opportunities, and exceptional support for students’ study and well-being.
They learned about the college’s innovative methods for fostering academic success and personal growth in the two years before university, a crucial period in the students’ lives.
The two-year A-level programme for students aged 16-18 in the UK focuses on the in-depth study of three or four subjects. Specialisation allows students to dive deep into subjects they are passionate about. It’s known for its academic rigour, and emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students for university and beyond. The flexibility to choose subjects and the focus on critical thinking and independent study set A-levels apart, making them highly respected by universities worldwide.
Ipswich High School is a leading independent school providing education for children aged 3 to 18. Nestled in the picturesque Suffolk countryside on a stunning 87-acre campus, the school boasts nearly 150 years of history, a strong tradition of academic excellence, and a commitment to holistic education.
The school’s beautiful grounds, including its historic mansion and gardens, were featured as a filming location in the 2007 movie “Atonement,” adding to its charm and prestige.
The delegation was particularly impressed with the school’s approach to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the inspiring campus tour, which left a lasting impression.
They learned about the “IHS Way,” which emphasises a balanced approach to education, integrating academic rigour with personal development and well-being. The insights gained from Ipswich High School’s practices provided fresh perspectives on enhancing their educational systems back home.
We have some takeaways from hosting the delegation, too. Our reflections:
Exchange and collaboration
This delegation is one of the latest examples of an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and collaboration between the two educational systems. They are valuable for both Chinese and UK schools, promoting mutual learning and enhancing the quality of education in both countries.
Further reading:
Chinese high school headmasters visit UK private and public schools for several reasons:
- Insights – to gain insights into different teaching methods and school management practices by experiencing the British education system firsthand.
- Best practices – to learn about the best practices in UK schools, in areas such as Continuous Professional Development (CPD), student well-being, holistic education, the use of technology, extracurricular activities, and student support systems, to help implement similar strategies in their own schools to enhance educational outcomes.
- Global perspective – exposure to different educational systems helps educators develop a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to education, and better prepare their students for a competitive and interconnected world.
- Long-term ties – such visits help strengthen ties between Chinese and UK schools, fostering cross-cultural understanding, long-term partnerships and collaborations. Such relationships can lead to student exchange programs, joint projects, and shared resources, benefiting both sides.
UK schools can gain several benefits from hosting visitors from China, too:
- Cultural Exchange – Hosting Chinese delegations fosters cultural exchange, allowing students and staff to learn about Chinese traditions, values, and educational practices. Exposure to international perspectives helps UK schools broaden their educational approach. Understanding different educational systems and practices can inspire new teaching methods and strategies.
- Networking and collaboration Opportunities: Building relationships with Chinese educators can lead to long-term partnerships and collaborations. These connections can result in student exchange programs, joint projects, and shared resources, enriching the educational experience for both parties.
- Professional Development: UK educators can gain insights into innovative teaching methods and educational reforms from their Chinese counterparts. This exchange of best practices can enhance professional development and improve teaching quality.
- Enhanced Reputation: Hosting international delegations helps showcase UK schools’ commitment to global education and cultural diversity. This can attract more students and partnerships from around the world.
To sum up, educational exchanges, including school visits, provide valuable opportunities to deepen mutual understanding, cultural exchange, professional growth, and global collaboration, enriching the educational experience for students and staff alike.
Finally, a special thank-you to Professor Alan Barrell from Cambridge, who has devoted 30+ years to China-West connectedness, for his invaluable input in this and many other such exchanges.
