Long Stratton High School students enjoy trip to China

Students from Long Stratton High School embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to China last month.

The school took up the challenge of organising the trip in an attempt to help the children explore the cultural diversity of Beijing.

Fifty-one students and six teachers spent almost a week in China’s capital, with a jam-packed programme keeping them on their toes from the moment they landed.

On the list were the top tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, plus educational activities.

They fully embraced Chinese culture, attended a calligraphy and tai chi lesson and bargained prices at a pearl market.

Faye Pauley, head of English at the school, said: “The trip was absolutely amazing. Seeing the expression on the children’s faces when they were coming in to contact with a new culture was my personal highlight.”

The youngsters went on to visit a local school, where they had a sing-off with the Chinese students, performing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star – in both English and Mandarin.

On the lasting impact the trip will have on her students, Ms Pauley said: “It’s important for them to realise the world is huge and that we share it with others.

“I think this trip helped increase their cultural awareness, while also teaching them to respect other cultures and appreciate that there are different ways of doing things,” added Ms Pauley.

If you are interested in listening to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star performed in both English and Mandarin, check out our latest Instagram post.