Warwickshire News Mine

The aim of the visit was to strengthen links with schools in the province of Shenzhen and the teachers each spent time with partner schools. They also attended a number of educational briefings and explored opportunities for children with special educational needs.

Now in its second year, the trip was arranged by Warwickshire County Council and funded by the British Council to build upon the links that Warwickshire has forged with the economically booming city of Shenzhen.

A number of Warwickshire’s schools have introduced Mandarin lessons as a result of the initiative and they will be enriching lessons further through subjects such as music and history.  Teachers from Shenzhen have already started to teach their language in England, while Warwickshire schools are sharing their expertise in other subjects.

Schools in China are much larger than in the UK, with primary schools holding up to 2,000 pupils and secondary schools 6,000. The school day starts at 7.30am and runs through to 5pm with a two-hour lunch break – and then there are up to four hours of after school activities.

The visit was led by Marion Davis, Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families, and Geoff King, Head of Service for Commissioning Planning and Partnerships. 

Marion Davis said: “The visit presented a great opportunity for us to strengthen ties with Shenzhen and build upon the excellent work which has been done in our schools.”

The schools which took part included Alcester Grammar School, Ilmington C of E Primary School, Henley-in-Arden Community Primary School, Campion School and Community College, Alderman Smith School and Sports College, Higham Lane School, Exhall Grange School and Science College, Harris School, Dordon Community Primary School and Sydenham Primary School.

Link to WCC