28th February 2019
As a College known for our welcoming community and diversity, we were thrilled to have an opportunity to open our doors to a large group of visiting Chinese students and teachers for a week-long hosting experience this month!
Students learn how to write
We welcomed 20 students and 5 teachers from Yuhuan High School of Zhejiang Provence last week. During their trip, the visitors were welcomed into the homes of St Brendan’s families and teachers, and enjoyed an opportunity to live and breathe British culture. Each day, the Chinese teens were made to feel like a part of the College community and attended lessons with their British buddies.
In a cultural exchange which also had fantastic benefits for the hosting families and students, Chinese-themed events were held at the College throughout the week and students were able to share their traditions with each other. In true St Brendan’s fashion, language students from St Bernadette’s Secondary School and Oasis Academy Brislington were also welcomed to College to join in a Mandarin Café, in which students enjoyed language masterclasses, workshops on the Chinese zodiac and lessons in how to use chopsticks and writing Chinese symbols; all led by the Chinese guests.
The week-long experience ended in a heart-felt prize giving ceremony, which saw the Vice Principal of Yuhuan High School thank us for our hospitality.
Katherine Swainson, International Manager commented, “It has been a fantastic week for all of the students and staff involved in the exchange. As a College, we are so lucky to have the opportunity to host such fantastic guests. As a hugely diverse community, it is a pleasure to take the lead on these events; our staff and students are always so interested in discovering more about other cultures and the international opportunities out there for them. We look forward to further cultural exchanges with Yuhuan High School and hope to keep in touch with our new friends!”
