Educator Learning Trip · October 2019
In October 2019, teachers and school leaders from five Hampshire schools travelled to Shenzhen for a week of professional exchange. School visits, education forums and conversations with Chinese colleagues offered a fresh perspective on teaching, leadership and international partnership.
19–26 October 2019 · Shenzhen, China · School leadership and professional learning
The delegation brought together Fair Oak Junior School, Milford-on-Sea Primary School, The Arnewood School, Horndean Technology College and Wildern School.
The visit was coordinated by Global School Exchanges.
Learning in action
Across Shenzhen’s Bao’an and Luohu districts, delegates explored school environments, met leaders, observed teaching and watched pupils demonstrate their learning. These encounters gave the group concrete examples to discuss together and reflect on after returning home.
The written reflections describe spacious campuses, well-equipped learning areas and pupils keen to welcome visitors and practise their English. Alongside more formal classroom routines, teachers noticed warmth, enjoyment and pride in pupils’ work.
These were personal observations from the schools visited in 2019. They prompted thoughtful questions about classroom organisation, expectations and independence, rather than a single verdict on an entire education system.
Ideas to bring home
Teachers were particularly struck by the range of cultural and creative activities. Their reflections describe Chinese opera, calligraphy, paper cutting, printmaking, music and technology projects, and consider how schools can help pupils value cultural heritage through practical learning.
One account describes an art session in which pupils worked at different stages of a printmaking project: drawing designs, cutting tiles, applying ink and producing their finished work. The visitor noticed the calm atmosphere and pupils’ ability to work independently.
Large-scale design projects, coding and robotics also prompted discussion about the balance between smaller classroom tasks and sustained projects with a clear purpose. Delegates considered how these ideas could inform their own curriculum.
“There was an overwhelming sense of purposeful calm and the work they were producing was beautiful.”
Participant reflection · Shenzhen delegation, October 2019
Sharing perspectives
The Shenzhen International Education Forum centred on technology in education. The programme invited British and Chinese educators to share their approaches to teaching, discuss how digital tools could support learning and explore the challenges that come with their use.
UK delegates prepared introductions to their schools, examples of technology in practice and curriculum initiatives from their own subject areas. The exchange created opportunities both to learn from hosts and to share strengths of British classroom practice.
Travelling as a group also gave teachers time to learn from colleagues across Hampshire. The reflections highlight the value of these local connections alongside the relationships being developed in China.
In their words
The delegation’s written report captures the enthusiasm of participating teachers and leaders, as well as the ideas and questions they took home.
“This trip was constant CPD for myself and hopefully the links I have made with schools in China and Hampshire will continue for further CPD.”
Participant reflection · Shenzhen delegation, October 2019
“The whole week was eye opening and exciting in terms of global opportunity and affirming of the current changes we are making with our curriculum.”
Participant reflection · Shenzhen delegation, October 2019
“There was a huge sense of fun and warmth in the schools”
Participant reflection · Shenzhen delegation, October 2019
Carefully coordinated
The feedback repeatedly recognises the work behind the visit, from preparation and answering questions before departure to accommodation, travel and support in Shenzhen. Participants praised the team's helpfulness and care throughout the experience.
The pre-departure meeting at Wildern helped delegates finalise plans and ask questions. During the visit, the programme brought school encounters, forums and cultural orientation together.
“The whole trip was well organised and Will was extremely accommodating throughout the whole experience.”
Participant reflection · Shenzhen delegation, October 2019
“hard work, dedication, professionalism and kindness and for sorting out flights, accommodation and food.”
Extract from a participant’s thank-you message · Shenzhen delegation, October 2019
Beyond the visit
The visit encouraged delegates to think about what a school partnership could make possible. Their suggestions included student cultural exchanges, longer teacher placements and joint projects around environmental sustainability, coding, science and storytelling.
Teachers identified opportunities to connect pupils through work they were already doing: Scratch programming, STEM challenges and traditional tales, for example. A shared task could give learning an international audience and a practical reason to communicate.
The report also makes clear that meaningful collaboration needs time, planning and attention to language, distance and school calendars. Delegates wanted future programmes to include more time in classrooms and opportunities to teach alongside their hosts.
The enduring value of the visit lies in that combination: professional curiosity, stronger relationships and specific ideas for widening pupils’ horizons.
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