Sister school programmes have been highly welcomed by Chinese schools and the link with a Chinese school has also been used as a good strategy by more and more overseas schools to recruit as well as to raise the profile in China market. HOPE has facilitated many Chinese schools to establish this mutually-beneficial partnership with UK, US, Australian, Singapore colleges and schools in the past 20 years.
A good example of such partnership is between Shanghai Zhiyuan Junior Middle School and Brockenhurst College, UK. From June 24 to June 28, 2024, a group of 35 students and 6 teachers from this forward-thinking Chinese school attended a week summer immersion programme in their UK sister school. This was the 3rd time, Zhiyuan sent students and teachers group to the UK partnership school since the link was established in 2018 supported by HOPE.
Teachers at Brocks introducing themselves during the welcoming ceremony
Brockenhurst College, a state college over 100-year history has been in partnership with HOPE for more than 10 years, during which HOPE has help the College establish its profile in east China and formed sister school relationship with 5 Chinese schools. The college offered bespoke summer and winter immersion programme for over 300 Chinese students from its sister schools. The college also sent 2 groups of teachers and students to its Chinese partner schools during Easter and summer holidays for exchange. Besides, the College’s commitment to China market also includes attending international conferences/school fairs organized by HOPE and local education authorities, online activities with Chinese schools, regular visits to China and HOPE by its principal/vice principal, International Managers and Officers, and academic staff. A healthy and sustainable relationship has been well established with the China market and all stakeholders.
This summer, Brockenhurst College also carefully designed the summer programme for Zhiyuan students and teachers. The programme includes English courses, business courses and drama courses plus activities, excursions as well as host family accommodation in order to enhance students’ experience of what a UK school is like.
Teaching students English without using textbooks
In English course, Brockenhurst College teachers put aside the traditional way of teaching English by using textbooks. Instead, they used games to guide every students to think in English, and then practice correct pronunciation and grammar.
In the business course, the teacher asked students to plan the companies they hope to establish in the future. This also include designing their own company logo and slogan. Many students have expressed that business courses are not available in China's in junior middle school, but this course is very interesting. It help them understand what a business entity is and what it is like under a British context.
Shakespeare's plays have to be a necessity during the visit in the UK! Brockenhurst College invited local students who major in English drama to organize a drama afternoon, allowing students to immerse themselves in playing "Midsummer Night's Dream". The children searched for inspiration outdoors and performed indoors after rehearsals.
At the farewell ceremony, students also demonstrated Chinese traditional culture in front of the teachers and students from Brockenhurst College. Gifts were exchanged during the ceremony. The UK students and teachers really enjoyed the performance and showed their gratitude to the students.
Zhiyuan students demontrating Chinese culture at Brockenhurst College
One of the students said that what impressed him a lot was the width and depth of curriculum in the UK , with teachers focusing on inspiring their own thoughts. This was very different from education in China. Some students said that they will highly recommend the summer school to their friends. They wish that this kind of experience could be extended for another two weeks!
Group phofo of Zhiyuang students and teachers at Brockenhurst College
To assist more overseas school to enter China market after the pandemic, HOPE is going to organize a school link forum and summer course/school fair in Shanghai from 18-19 October. Any school interested in the events, please contact Alice Zhang, International Partnership Manager of HOPE, a.zhang@hope-studyabroad.com.
