China
Stewards School and Zhenhua No.10 Middle School
We have had a strong partnership to Zhenhua No.10 Middle since May 2007 and this link has grown ever since and helps our pupils understand the importance of the International Dimension.
Developing Mandarin and links to China at Stewards School
As part of the agreement between Stewards School and Zhenhua No.10 Middle School, we are delighted to be hosting Chinese Language Assistants since September 2007. Mr. David Liu, an English teacher from Zhenhua School worked in Stewards School from September 2007 to July 2008, Ms Shen Jing the joined Stewards School from September 2008 to July 2009 and we are delighted to host Ms Xu Ling from September 2009 to July 2010. Mandarin teaching takes place within the Modern Foreign Languages department.
World map showing the location of China
Suzhou City - home to our Chinese link school
Our first school visit to China took place in 2009. A party of teachers and pupils travelled to Suzhou, a city of 6 million people, 40 miles inland from Shanghai. Suzhou is small compared to Shanghai, but is still the size of London. In China it is famous for silk production and now, in the global market, the production of ICT hardware. Suzhou is also famous for its beautiful gardens, the largest being the 'Humble Administrators Garden.'
The Humble Administrators Garden, Suzhou City
Zhenhua No.10 Middle School
Our partner school, Zhenhua No.10 Middle School is located in the middle of the ancient city centre of Suzhou. The school recently celebrated it's centenary, although some of it's building are actually part of an old Imperial Palace, used only by the Chinese Emperors. The school itself has 5000 students aged 11 to 18 and over 600 teaching staff. The school is split into two campus sites, both of which have landscaped gardens.
Zhenhua School offers many of it's lessons taught in English and is very eager to develop the English speaking skills of its students. During our visit we observed four lessons and we were impressed by the excellent pupil and teacher relationships, the use of ICT and different models of teaching. The students clearly thoroughly enjoy their learning and can participate in many activities during lessons. Here are some views of Zhenhua No.10 Middle School.
View of Zhenhua No.10 Middle School
Ms Murthar looking at pupils' work
Pupils debating which sports should be in the
2008 Beijing Olympics