Our Head of EAL, Nicola Checketts, attended Schools Fairs in China and Hong Kong...

It was enlightening to be present at the Academic Asia Schools Fair in the Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Zhuhai over half term.

Having been a teacher to so many Chinese pupils, it was lovely to see young people in their home-towns, learn about their school lives and understand from them their expectations of our British boarding schools. I was privileged to meet many delightful teenagers and, aided by my patient and able interpreter Lilly (my Mandarin is woefully limited), could ask and answer questions and relate stories from King’s. Hopefully, some of these young people will join us as pupils.

Two long days of fairs - with a visit to the agents’ offices and opportunities to enjoy the amazing Cantonese food - were rounded off by an enjoyable tour of the coastal city of Zhuhai offered by the agents. One of the highlights of the visits, though, was to meet the parents of Miya and Jonathan. It is rare for Chinese parents to be able to visit King’s, so this opportunity was indeed special, and I was able to share with them so much about their children; they welcomed me with heart warming enthusiasm and generosity.

A bus trip across the amazing sea bridge to Hong Kong and three days visiting agents there, to refresh contacts and share updates, was a great way to finish my Asian tour. It was enlightening, and hopefully profitable for King’s. I certainly have a clearer understanding of the challenges of the culture shock which our pupils have to manage when arriving in Bruton!

Nicola Checketts - Head of EAL

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