Students Get Inspired by Chinese Lifestyle

Students and teachers from Christ College Brecon have returned to school inspired by a recent visit to China where they experienced life in a Shanghai High School.

This visit was part of a cultural exchange between the independent school in Brecon and Jinyuan Senior High School in Shanghai, the beginning of what is hoped to become the first in many exchanges for the students of both schools.

Emily Sullivan, from Brecon, who is currently in the Lower Sixth Form said: “'I was stunned by the diversity of the architecture on display in Shanghai, ranging from the iconic Pearl TV Tower, to the more traditional Chinese buildings. My experience there has inspired me to base my AS Art project on Oriental architecture since my return.”

Annie Elliott, from Builth Wells said: “In just ten days we managed to pack in a huge range of activities from visiting the Jade Buddha Temple to the Era Acrobatics display. My personal favourites were the evening cruise along the Huangpu River and the day spent with our Chinese hosts.”

At the beginning of the exchange, the pupils were invited by an International Business Wales Trade Mission who were visiting Shanghai at the same time, to join them at an official reception hosted by the British Consulate General in Shanghai.

This reception was attended by over 100 invited guests including a deputation of MPs from Wales who were part of a Welsh Affairs Select Committee fact-finding mission.

In preparation for the trip, the school party have been learning Mandarin, and their studies of this language continued in Shanghai.

Clare Collins, Head of Modern Languages at Christ College said: “Shanghai could not be more different from Brecon, which is what makes this cultural exchange so fascinating and so valuable. Learning Mandarin presents a new and significant challenge to staff and pupils alike, although the intricacies of Tai Chi, Kung Fu and Peking Opera proved even more impenetrable at times! The undoubted highlight of the trip was the friendships that were made between our pupils and their Chinese hosts. We very much look forward to returning the hospitality of our hosts on their return visit to Wales in April 2008, and building on this link in future years.”

Emma Taylor, Head of Christ College, said: “The opportunity to create a cultural link and association between our two schools is a fascinating and exciting one. We are most grateful to Jinyuan Senior High School for this invitation which enables our pupils to experience Chinese culture and education.”

The Principal for Jin Yuan Senior High School, Wang Li Ping said: “This visit is start of an everlasting friendship that will lead to many more fruitful student exchange programs between our two schools.”

Plans are now underway to receive a visit from pupils and teachers from Jinyuan High School in May 2008.