Headteacher Represents Trust at International Education Forum in China

In November, Headteacher Victoria Townsend, and Executive Headteacher Nicky Everett, visited Jiangsu Province, China as part of a delegation of school and trust leaders, which included Vine Schools Trust and LIFE Education Trust. The visit was hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education to mark its 20th international education forum, bringing together schools from around the world to strengthen partnerships and share educational practice.

The forum welcomed delegates from ten countries including the UK, the United States, Australia, Canada, Finland, Spain, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. This year’s theme, ‘Promoting innovation capabilities through project-based learning,’ focused on how schools can develop creativity, collaboration and problem-solving through innovative teaching approaches.

The programme included opening ceremonies and keynote speakers, as well as visits to partner schools. During the visit, each international delegate spent time with a designated sister school to observe lessons, meet staff and students, and learn more about teaching and learning in the Chinese education system. Victoria Townsend, Headteacher of Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School, visited Suzhou School as part of the programme.

Seeing the Chinese education system in action was inspirational, particularly the use of technology and artificial intelligence to support teaching and learning. The experience will be used as a springboard to raise aspiration across the school community.

While it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it was not the first visit to China for leaders within Discovery Educational Trust, and the Trust is proud to continue developing this valuable international partnership.