School makes Eastern promise

ALL smiles . . . (back, from the left) pupils Megan White, Emma Jackson, Alex Dawson, Jess Bird and head teacher Patricia Cornish welcome their VIP visitors from China,Yu Ran and Zhang Jijun

STAFF and pupils at Saddleworth School welcomed friends from the Far East this week as part of a Chinese fact-finding mission into how British schools are run — then vowed to make a swift return visit.

Yu Ran, assistant principal and director of the international affairs office at Beijing Foreign Languages School, and vice-principal Zhang Jijun, dropped in on the Uppermill school to see how it operates. Local youngsters established a partnership in the Chinese capital last summer when they were part of a Specialist Schools and Academies Trust trip to the Olympics.

After observing lessons, Ms Jijun said: “Education is quite different here than in Beijing! We are hoping to learn how we can improve our school by observing some of the lessons at Saddleworth School.

“The visit has been very interesting and pupils and staff have been nice.”

Head teacher Patricia Cornish said the school was delighted with the partnership.

She added: “This is a fascinating opportunity and a privilege for Saddleworth School.

“We are already planning future exchange visits to Beijing where we can swap ideas.”