WASHZ | Inaugural Event for International Student Exchange Programme

On 27 September, the Inaugural Event for WASHZ International Exchange Programme was successfully held. Officers from the Xiaoshan District Education Bureau and Daicun Town Government, along with representatives from Wycombe Abbey International School Group, attended the event. Together with faculty and pupil representatives?from WASHZ, they witnessed this significant moment in international educational collaboration.

In recent years, China has been promoting the strategy of rejuvenating the nation through science and education, advocating for educational openness and international educational collaboration. Hence, the "Shangxue Xiaoshan" brand has been developed, aiming to create an external environment that values?education, strengthen an internal atmosphere that esteems academia, and build a superior educational ecosystem.

In response, Wycombe Abbey School and the British educational charity "Engage with China" launched a scholarship programme in 2023. Since its foundation, the programme has sent dozens of international exchange students to Wycombe Abbey schools in China. This year, WASHZ has welcomed its first cohort of 10 international exchange students. These students, who stood out among many candidates due to their exceptional abilities and passion for Chinese culture, represent the best of the younger generation in the UK.

T. Zhu and O. Zheng, two pupil representatives from WASHZ, co-hosted the inaugural event, and the event commenced with a rendition of "Light Years Away" sung in Chinese by exchange student Zo? Capps.

Hongdan Chen, the Secretary of the Party Committee of Daicun Town in Xiaoshan District, mentioned that the Daicun Town has always embraced changes with an open attitude and has consistently explored strengthening ties with the international community in the educational field. She pointed out that the exchange programme marks a significant milestone in Daicun Town's journey towards globalisation, providing local students with a multi-faceted and comprehensive educational experience, and bringing more international perspectives to local education.

Guoyou Zhang, member of the Party Committee and?Deputy Director of the Xiaoshan District Education Bureau, emphasised that "Shangxue Xiaoshan" is not just an educational brand but a strategic plan to build Xiaoshan District into a leading educational stronghold. He noted that the exchange programme would provide a platform for interaction between Chinese and foreign students, fostering talents through cultural integration for global competition.

Mr. Yue Shi, Vice President of Wycombe Abbey International School Group, described the exchange programme as a "breath of fresh air" in today's international environment. He stressed that the bridge of cultural exchange requires the first solid steps from young people in both China and the UK. He expressed his heartfelt wishes that the exchange students would truly experience the profound heritage nurtured by this cultural soil.

Mr. Nick Thomas, Director of the British Council in China, also sent his best wishes for the exchange programme through a video message on behalf of the UK government.

As the host of this exchange programme, WASHZ aims to create more opportunities for its pupils through this initiative.

In their speeches, Executive Headmaster Mr. Tig Mooney and Chinese Principal Mr. Yifu Jia first expressed their gratitude to the various levels of government and all sectors of society for their strong support of this programme. They stated that when ideas begin to transcend borders, education not only serves as the foundation for deepening mutual understanding and cooperation but also plants the seeds of leadership. WASHZ hopes to create a peaceful and harmonious future through education.

The exchange students arrived in Hangzhou at the end of August. Representatives Zo? Capps and Jay Da Silva shared their experiences over the past month, including visiting intangible cultural heritage projects, learning Wing Chun, and making traditional orange cakes.?

After a month of in-depth experiences, they have gained a more direct understanding of Chinese culture. At the event, guests also enjoyed a double drum performance titled "Prosperous Dragon Dance". The stirring music and powerful drum beats allowed the exchange students to once again experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Meanwhile, the exchange students have formed close friendships with their peers at WASHZ. At the end of the event, the ten exchange students and ten Chinese pupils went on stage to exchange books, symbolising the transfer of culture and ideas, as well as the forging of friendships and connections.

Over the next two years, the international exchange students will live and study at WASHZ. This cross-cultural journey will not only bring critical thinking and an international perspective but also instil in future leaders a mindset of inclusiveness, openness, and understanding. Through educational collaboration, a win-win scenario will truly become the reality.

Situated beside the picturesque Fairy Lake in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, WASHZ spans a generous area exceeding 38 acres. Since its official inauguration in September 2021, the school has been dedicated to providing premium international education for pupils from the ages of 3 to 18. Upholding a comprehensive educational ethos, WASHZ is committed to academic excellence while also engaging in a multifaceted educational journey that discovers and nurtures the individual gifts and potential of each pupil, thereby facilitating their smooth progression into their preferred and renowned universities around the world.

[Article Review]

The First Review

Cassia Zhang

The Second Review??

Pamela Yu, Phoebe Wang

Final? Review

Tig Mooney, Bruce Jia