During the Spring Term, Shiplake College students had a unique cultural opportunity in lessons. Visiting from the North West provinces of China, four Chinese teachers came to the school to give Shiplake students a taste of lessons in the far east. Working their way throughout different subjects during their week-long stay, the teachers took classes ranging from Languages to Geography, observing lessons taught by Shiplake staff, as well as delivering classes themselves.
As part of a Continuing Professional Development scheme funded by the Chinese government, and linked to Reading University, the Modern Languages Department coordinated a placement for the teaching quartet to visit the College and obtain an understanding of how classes are taught, as well as tackling teaching themselves. All High School teachers of English back home, the placement was designed to build confidence and gain experience of teaching in a very different environment.
The Chinese teachers commented that they were used to teaching classes of between 80-90 students in one fixed classroom, with the students used to having a maximum of six teachers. The smaller classes and subject-specific classrooms were a stark contrast, and the teachers noticed that they are a brilliant way of keeping pupils engaged and focused.
The lessons were challenging and interesting for the Shiplake pupils. Amongst a packed schedule of exciting topics, lessons included an introduction to Mandarin, using an abacus, exploring Mongolian culture, as well as learning about the Great Wall of China and what a typical school day would be like for students in China.
The Shiplake cohort found the unique cultural opportunity fascinating, taking particular pleasure in learning how to cook dumplings - and of course eating them afterwards! Mandarin lessons were another great success; although challenging, the students threw themselves in at the deep end, mastering key phrases and interacting in Chinese. Tai Chi and Karate prove popular hobbies in China, and Shiplake was no different: an invigorating session left students buzzing. Getting involved in the lessons was key, and the pupils did not disappoint, trying their hand at a plethora of activities that gave the lessons impact and meaning.
The College would like to thank our visitors for their infectious energy and enthusiasm throughout the week.
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