School’s links with China could bring a ‘world of opportunities’
AN INDEPENDENT school in Sheffield is building on the city’s links with China to form a partnership with international students.
Birkdale School, linking up with Teensen International Education Centre in Nanchang, hopes to forge a relationship which can be of benefit to all pupils.
School leaders said growth in China has been unprecedented in recent years, as the first 14 students arrive in South Yorkshire for a month-long stay, and that understanding of cultural changes can offer students insight into a world of opportunities.
“There can be no doubt that the growth of China both economically and culturally is one of the most important changes to our world today,” said Kathryn Higham, head of modern foreign languages at Birkdale.
““We believe it is important that pupils at both Birkdale School and the Teensen International Education Centre can seize the opportunities this presents and build a lasting relationship.
“This partnership will allow that to happen and we are delighted to welcome our visitors from Nanchang to Sheffield to begin that journey.”
The partnership was launched with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two schools, ahead of a celebration at Cutlers’ Hall attended by representatives of the Chinese Consulate, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield University and Sheffield Confucius Institute.
Mr Nicholas Pietrek, acting headmaster, said: “This is an exciting partnership between two schools who are 5,600 miles apart but share many common values and a commitment to developing pupils with an understanding of the global society in which we live.
“This link will hopefully be the start of a relationship that will bring our cities closer together and open up a world of opportunities for all our pupils.
“Sheffield is at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to bring more investment from China and develop closer economic links. We are proud that we can play our part.”