Educator Learning Trip · March 2024
In March 2024, an East Hampshire delegation travelled to China for a programme of school visits, classroom observation and education forums across Nanjing, Zhangjiagang, Shanghai and Jinhua.
The delegation programme brought together Park Community School, Horndean Technology College, Hayling College, Warblington School, Woodcroft Primary and Havant and South Downs College (HSDC).
24–29 March 2024 · Four cities · School visits and professional exchange
The delegation together during the March 2024 school visits.
Learning in action
The Nanjing and Zhangjiagang programmes paired delegates with schools for campus tours, lesson observations and conversations with senior leaders. Separate visits gave participating UK schools time to explore areas relevant to their own pupils and practice.
The itinerary included opportunities to introduce UK school life and share work on environmental education, Forest School, engineering and STEM. A practical ‘Making a Mini Pocket Torch’ lesson led by Mark Smith from Horndean Technology College was also scheduled in Nanjing.
Learning calligraphy alongside a pupil.
Trying a traditional skill with guidance from a student.
Sharing perspectives
The Zhangjiagang education forum centred on the relationship between education, technology and talent—and how international collaboration could help schools prepare young people for the future.
The programme listed presentations from Nigel Sheppard of Horndean Technology College and Ella Capaldi of Park Community School, alongside dialogue with local school leaders and education representatives.
Further forums in Shanghai and Jinhua provided a setting for school introductions, networking and discussion of cooperation between UK and Chinese schools.
Connecting schools
Partnership was a recurring theme throughout the itinerary, from conversations with individual schools to forums bringing together educators and education authorities.
The Nanjing programme included reflection on a January 2024 visit to Woodcroft Primary and discussion of future cooperation. Later conference sessions included planned sister-school signing ceremonies and time for networking.
These opportunities placed classroom practice and school relationships at the centre of the delegation programme.
Delegates and pupils together during the visit.
In their words
“Each visit we made to a school was enlightening, interesting and enjoyable.”
Nigel Sheppard · Horndean Technology College
“It was great to learn more about their education system, but also to look at the opportunities that are there for us all.”
Aaron Butson · HSDC
“The cultural immersion component of the visit was equally enriching.”
Kirstin Mobsby · The Hayling College
Exploring the night market together in Nanjing.
Your school’s next experience
Discover how a visit overseas could support professional exchange and international connections for your school. Explore GSE’s educator learning trips or get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
EXPLORE EDUCATOR LEARNING TRIPS