On Friday 3rd July, a group of Year 9 students from Cowley set off on an unforgettable 11-day educational visit to China as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP), having spent the last three years studying Mandarin Chinese.
Upon arriving in Shanghai, students participated in a special opening ceremony, where one of our students proudly took to the stage to deliver a speech. The event provided an opportunity to meet local Chinese students, as well as fellow learners from schools across the UK who are also part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme.
The students enjoyed a packed itinerary throughout their stay. Each morning was dedicated to intensive Mandarin study, with students spending around four hours developing their language skills through lessons at the host school.
Afternoons offered a wealth of cultural experiences designed to bring classroom learning to life. Students explored local markets, visited places of interest and immersed themselves in everyday Chinese life, putting their newly acquired language skills into practice with native speakers.
The visit also included some of Shanghai’s most iconic attractions. Highlights included a cruise along the Huangpu River, a visit to the beautiful Yu Garden, seeing the giant pandas at Shanghai Zoo and taking in spectacular views from the Shanghai Tower, home to one of the world’s highest observation decks.
As the programme drew to a close, students attended a final celebration and graduation ceremony hosted by the school. Reflecting on the experience, Vice President of SISU, captured the spirit of the visit in their keynote address:
“Everything comes to an end, but good memories last forever.”
It was a fitting conclusion to an incredible journey filled with learning, friendship and cultural discovery.
Miss Min, Teacher of Mandarin Chinese at Cowley, said: “The Year 9 Mandarin trip to Shanghai is a fantastic opportunity for our students who have worked very hard on learning Mandarin Chinese over the last three years.
“I am so pleased to see the students’ confidence grow as they practise their Mandarin in real-life situations. It has been wonderful to watch them enjoy the sightseeing, immerse themselves in Chinese culture, and build strong relationships with one another throughout the trip..”
Mr Cormack, Principal at Cowley, added: “This programme has been an incredible experience for our Year 9 students. They have returned with greater confidence, lasting friendships and memories that will stay with them for years to come. The success of this visit highlights the value of the Mandarin Excellence Programme and reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities and language development for our young people. We are immensely proud to be the only school in the local area taking part in this prestigious programme.”
Cowley has been a member of the Mandarin Excellence Programme since 2017 and remains the only school in the local area to be part of this prestigious national initiative, providing students with exceptional opportunities to develop advanced language skills and experience Chinese culture first-hand.