CASE STUDY · EDUCATOR LEARNING TRIPS · CHINA
University of Winchester Academy Trust
Sharing primary practice in China
A learning visit bringing UK primary educators and Chinese colleagues together through classroom teaching, school visits and professional dialogue.
Nanjing · Zhangjiagang · Changshu · Shanghai
28 March–6 April 2025, including travel · School programme: 31 March–3 April
Learning through participation
In spring 2025, educators from the University of Winchester Academy Trust travelled to China with Global School Exchanges for a programme centred on primary education and regional school partnerships. The visit combined opportunities to observe Chinese classrooms with practical contributions from the visiting UK teachers and school leaders.
The itinerary brought together colleagues from Awbridge, Barton Farm, Halterworth, North Waltham and Stoneham Park, alongside Trust leadership. Visits across Nanjing, Zhangjiagang and Changshu made space for pupil-led tours, lesson observations, teaching demonstrations and conversations with school leaders.
UK teachers in Chinese classrooms
Teaching was central to the exchange. The programme included “UK Classroom Experience” sessions for primary pupils, allowing visiting educators to share their practice directly. Alongside their own contributions, delegates observed lessons and explored how teaching and school life were organised in a different education system.
The planned lessons included insects and ecological diversity, spring and the seasons, and a STEM activity considering what school buildings of the future might look like. The Nanjing programme also included a presentation and leadership discussion on the application of AI in UK primary education.
A visiting UK teacher works with pupils during a classroom session.
Delegates and pupils together during the school programme.
A shared focus on sustainability
An environmental education forum in Nanjing brought sustainability into the centre of the programme. Its format paired UK and Chinese classroom contributions with discussion about how environmental themes can be incorporated into primary education.
Each of the five UK schools was asked to contribute an example of sustainability within its Key Stage 2 curriculum. The photographs capture delegates sharing those perspectives, joining discussions and exploring outdoor learning with their hosts.
Exploring outdoor learning with pupils and school staff.
UK and Chinese educators share perspectives at the environmental education forum.
Sharing practice across a wider school network
In Zhangjiagang, the itinerary combined visits to primary schools with an Education Bureau forum. The programme included a UK teaching demonstration, a Chinese lesson observation and a “Same lesson, different teaching” discussion.
A teacher training seminar focused on how English is taught at Key Stage 2, including classroom organisation, lesson planning, delivery and assessment. This gave the exchange a practical focus for dialogue with local teaching research leaders and primary teachers.
Trust Chief Executive Nicola Wells addresses educators during the visit.
Visiting delegates and their Chinese hosts.
Understanding the wider school and cultural setting
Campus tours and meetings with senior leaders complemented the classroom programme. The updated itinerary placed the final school visits in Changshu on 3 April, followed by an afternoon transfer to Shanghai. School visits and professional exchange ran from 31 March to 3 April, within the wider 28 March–6 April visit.
The itinerary also made room for cultural experiences in Nanjing, including its museum and historic neighbourhoods. Time in Shanghai at the end of the visit was reserved for delegates’ own plans. These experiences placed the professional exchange within the wider context of daily life in China.
Delegates explore a school’s outdoor spaces with their hosts.
A cultural activity during the visit.
What participants took away
Participants’ reflections highlight the value of comparing classroom practice, stepping outside familiar routines and learning together as a Trust.
Fresh perspective on classroom practice
“The experience went above and beyond any expectations that I had going into the trip.”
Amber Webb · Halterworth Primary School
Amber described teaching a lesson to engaged pupils as a highlight. Comparing approaches helped her recognise strengths in her own practice and identify areas she could develop. She expected the experience to influence her teaching career.
A visiting UK educator engages pupils during a classroom activity in Nanjing.
Stronger professional relationships across the Trust
“As a Trust-wide team we will always have this shared experience to look back on fondly and have formed new professional relationships through the process.”
Kelly-Anne Sweetnam · Awbridge Primary School
Kelly-Anne reflected on preparing lessons for unfamiliar pupils and supporting colleagues through encouragement, resources and classroom questioning. She valued the opportunity to hear the reasoning behind observed lessons and felt proud to represent the Trust’s creative values.
“They give us opportunities to see schools doing things in different ways.”
Victoria Coles · North Waltham Primary School, on the value of global partnerships
Victoria highlighted the respect shown to educators, pupils’ appreciation of school and the extracurricular opportunities she observed during the visits.
The visiting Trust delegation and Chinese colleagues together in Nanjing.
Support throughout the visit
Amber praised Oaklyn’s organisation and translation, while Kelly-Anne highlighted her care and flexibility as the group’s needs changed. Their feedback underlines the importance of local support in helping delegates take part fully in the programme.
A basis for further collaboration
Regional school partnership development was an explicit aim of the visit, with leadership meetings and planned agreement-signing sessions included in the itinerary. The feedback provides evidence of professional reflection and stronger connections among UK colleagues; longer-term school partnership outcomes will be a further part of the story.
Explore an educator learning trip
Bring your school or trust’s learning priorities into an international programme of school visits, teaching exchange and professional discussion.
Explore educator learning trips · Discuss a visit for your school or trust