On Friday 1st March, 15 teachers from the Jiangsu region in China descended on Tytherington School to find out what life is like in a UK School. The Chinese primary school teachers were interested in finding out about how art and music are taught in secondary schools in Britain. Tytherington School was selected because it is a high performing comprehensive school with a reputation for a creative and nurturing environment. The Chinese government are funding visits for teachers to find out more about creativity in the classroom.

The first part of the visit was a seminar hosted by Mr Botwe who gave an overview of the culture and structure of the English Secondary School system. The teachers were also addressed by Mrs Kang who is the Mandarin teacher at Tytherington School. The teachers then met with Year 7 students who are currently studying Manadarin as part of their curriculum. They were given an opportunity to ask students about life in the UK. After a student led school tour, the teachers from China then went to observe lessons. There was also an opportunity for the teachers to have a traditional fish and chips lunch with students in the Refectory.

Ms Helen Yan, who was the translator for the day, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to visit Tytherington School. We would love to do it again. The teachers from China were fascinated with the way in which creativity is being allowed to flourish in the school.”

Headteacher, Manny Botwe, said: “Mandarin is rapidly growing at Tytherington School and we are delighted to have developed links with schools in China. We hope to be able to take a group of students to visit China next year.”

Year 7 student Yasmin Morgan said: “I really enjoyed meeting the teachers from China and telling them about life in the UK.”