Spring/Summer 2006 Dalian
Headteacher training programme, May 2006
At the invitation of the Dalian Education Bureau and the University, two North Lincolnshire representatives visited Dalian to give three days' training to headteachers on school self evaluation and development planning. Both these concepts are very new to Chinese headteachers and the bureau is keen to develop the leadership skills of heads along UK lines.
Forty headteachers attended the training and engaged in workshop activities enabling them to begin to put the systems used in the UK into practice in their own schools.
A lecture on ‘The Quality of Teaching in UK schools’ was also delivered at the university to two hundred attendees.
Five schools were notified that their applications to the council were successful in order to access the three-year funding grant. Other interested schools were supported in completing their applications for curriculum linking and TIPD funding. Eventually all applications were supported.
In July we received our second delegation of children from Dalian accompanied by their headteacher and six teachers. They spent time in their link schools and lived with students and staff for the period of their visit.
Autumn term 2006
October 2006 brought with it five delegations to Dalian funded from a range of sources.
Delegation 1: Thirty-seven education professionals visited their link schools. Five new links were formed; one secondary and four four primary. Ten North Lincolnshire schools worked on curriculum projects with their staff in the link schools. The deputy CEO led the delegation and the China Administrative Officer visited for the first time. The curriculum linking projects were well planned and received. Some staff were required to do more spontaneous teaching then others, but all achieved their aims in launching their intended projects.
New link schools (five)
All new linking head teachers received the overpowering welcome that is the characteristic of the first encounter with a Chinese school. The preparation had not dulled the experience for them in any way and all were totally overwhelmed by the hospitality and VIP treatment. The buddy system we have used in previous years was very successful. Friendship agreements were signed by all five link schools and plans already made for curriculum links for next year. Letters for pen pals were exchanged. Each school left with a project in mind and changes that they will make to their own curriculum to embed Chinese culture in some way. The schools have much in common, but also much to learn from each other.
Particularly interesting and inspiring was the special school link. Dalian has invested in a new building and a very young and enthusiastic staff to cater for the needs of children from three to 16 who have mental disabilities. The benefits to them of linking with our secondary special school are enormous as the Dalian staff have everything they need to cater for these children except the knowledge of the nature of learning disabilities and how to teach children with particular needs to best effect.
North Lincolnshire's expertise in special education can offer this very readily, given the chance and begin to transform the approach to inclusive education in China, an experience we never thought possible when we embarked on the North Lincolnshire project.
A meeting with the former Mayor of Dalian revealed his influence in promoting educational reform in Dalian when China first opened up to the western world. Much of the progressive spirit in education in Dalian is the result of inspired reformists working in positions of influence to bring about educational change.
There is no doubt that the partnerships are growing to the extent that honest discussions are now taking place in a spirit of trust and genuine cooperation at all levels. North Lincolnshire professionals were welcomed into homes and families more than ever before and schools are making plans to organise individual or group visits to the UK rather than wait for delegations. Independence and confidence is growing on both sides which fulfils the ambition of the council and the bureau to encourage independence in the linking process.
The organisation of the delegation as a partnership between the council and schools was particularly successful. A China consultant headteacher took the responsibility for working with the council to lead on the cultural activities in Beijing while the deputy CEO and her administrative officer with responsibility for China projects, worked with the bureau and the funding partners to organise the linking activities with the Dalian bureau. The appointment of the North Lincolnshire administrative officer has been a particular success as she accompanied the visit as part of her professional development and worked with the Dalian Bureau ‘Connectors’.
Additional benefits to the delegation arrangements are the relationships that develop between the North Lincolnshire headteachers and staff travelling together and supporting each other. Clusters of schools are now enjoying links with China and providing continuity for students, for example all the Roman Catholic schools are now linked and are planning the future of projects that will provide continuing opportunities to develop Mandarin and promote Chinese cultural activities. The buddy system for new and existing headteachers was welcomed and, in addition to the series of preparation meetings and Mandarin lessons, was seen to minimise culture shock and maximise the benefits. We were glad to report that, even with all our preparation, the wonder and inspiration of China was not tainted for anyone and the growth and transformation of individuals and groups was, as always, a joy to be part of.
Delegation 2
Eighteen education professionals, one China consultant headteacher and one lead officer visited Dalian in October half term. The prose of this visit was purely curriculum development, funded by TIPD and curriculum linking funds. A range of primary and secondary teachers visited and worked in five link schools and successful beginnings were established to linking projects.
Delegation 3 – council officers
The chief education officer visited with the head of planning and regeneration for North Lincolnshire Council. The purpose was to renew the education friendship agreement with Dalian and to develop future trade links with the city. Unfortunately education business was cut short due to food poisoning and a period in hospital. Plans are being made to reschedule a meeting to re-establish the agreement. Progress on the trade delegation was advanced.
Delegation 4 - school visits
Thomas Sumpter and Winterton Specialist Colleges made history in October half term by taking our first groups of students to China.
Forty students accompanied by staff funded from the British Council visited their link schools in Dalian.
Delegation 5 - visit by South Leys teachers
Quotes from individual group members: “The most amazing CPD experience that I could ever hope to engage with in my entire career, my teaching of China in my Humanities Department has been transformed.”
“As a teacher of modern foreign languages I never thought I would have the opportunity to go any further than France as part of my job! A completely amazing experience that I will never forget, thank you.”
“It is oddly reassuring to realise that no matter where you go or what the country, culture or system is like there, kids are pretty much the same wherever you go.”
“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore another completely different country and its education system. It was a truly memorable experience.”
“As a music teacher I found the experience interesting and stimulating. I will be developing this link further.”
Council developments
Dalian teacher training in North Lincolnshire
Through links with the Dalian Education University; North Lincolnshire provided a 10-week training placement for 10 teachers from Dalian. The programme was modelled on our graduate teacher programme and was school based. A combination of english lessons, training sessions and school based experience formed the basis of the stay, linked with cultural activities. Schools benefiting from hosting a Chinese teacher are all part of the Dalian linking programme.
Post 16 developments
Bishop Grosseteste University College was invited to join the second group of schools to visit Dalian in 2006. The University College has some experience in the area of international activities. However, this has been restricted to bespoke in-service teacher development activities. There is a developing policy to internationalise the University College, the opportunity of joining this visit came a timely point in the development of ideas associated with these developments.
The University College sent two staff, the vice principal (external affairs) and the international coordinator. Their programme was focussed on understanding the North Lincolnshire project and developing networks in Dalian and Beijing.
Mandarin teaching
A shared language assistant works in two secondary and two primary schools in to deliver Mandarin lessons. She also offers training to interested adults. The primary programmes have attracted significant publicity. This is a model we hope to develop further in North Lincolnshire. All assistants come from the Number 7 Middle school, a Dalian link school.
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