Chinese students return to The Birkenhead Park School

The two schools signed a partnership in March 2014 to forge cultural and educational links for students in both schools.

Head of Performing Arts, ICT and PE, Mrs Houghton said: "It has been lovely to welcome back to The Birkenhead Park School our Chinese partner school from Taicang. Our students have invited their new friends to join them within their lessons and to look at the different styles of learning between the two schools. The highlights of the visit so far have been a computer programming lesson where both sets of students worked together. They created code that enabled a digital fidget spinner to move. They have also taken part in a cultural identity workshop where they came to the conclusion that 'there is more that unites us than divides us'." 

The group of thirteen students and one member of staff were welcomed by Headteacher Helen Johnson, before being buddied up with students at the school.

Year 7 student, Ola, said: “It was really interesting spending the day with the students from China. I didn’t realise how similar both cultures are and I have made a new friend.”

They visited lessons and experienced life at the school and also visited local attractions in Liverpool and Cheshire.

Headteacher Helen Johnson said: “It is such a pleasure to welcome our Chinese counterparts back to The Birkenhead Park School and I know they will gain a lot from the experience. Staff at the school have worked hard to build up and maintain our international links which we are very proud of. Both sets of students enjoy learning about a different culture and seeing it in practice and it opens up new opportunities for them all.”

Taicang is near the Chinese city of Shanghai, and is twinned with Wirral. The Birkenhead Park School is also linked with schools in Germany and Denmark.