Haslingden High School pupils taste the far east!

Reporter: Catherine Smyth
Date online: 07 July 2010

A PARTY of 21 students from Haslingden High School has just jetted off on a three-week cultural exchange visit to China. 

The exciting trip has been arranged through the Confucius Institute and will see them see taking in the famous sights as well as learning Mandarin Chinese and all about the culture. 

Year 11 student Lauren Fevre was determined to get herself in the mood eating Chinese food the week before the trip left. She said: “I have heard it is a once in a lifetime experience and I am thrilled to be going. I will try to learn some Mandarin and we will get to see all the sights.” 

Thomas Phillips, also Year 11, said: “I had the chance to visit China with my grandparents but because it was during school time I couldn’t go. For me this is a dream come true. I want to see the terracotta army.” 

Deputy head Gillian Rennard said: “We first announced it to all years in assembly and interested students attended an information evening. There was such interest that we asked them all to write in 300 words what they would gain from the experience and the quality of the work was so good, some had even written their submission in Chinese.  “In the end we had 30 students for the 21 places so we had to draw out names.” 

The Year 9-11 students are accompanied by pastoral inclusion manager Nicky Bibby and teacher mentor, inclusion, John Middlemas. A further 11 students and staff from Hollins Technology College in Accrington are also on the trip. 

Year 11 student Catriona Corbishley said: “I am looking forward to meeting new people and I never thought I would get the chance to go to China. I want to see the Great Wall and I think we will have a fantastic time.” 

The visit follows a trip made late last year by Haslingden High School’s head teacher Eve Challinger, along with other Lancashire school heads, to Beijing and Xian.
It is hoped a Confucius Classroom will be set up in the Valley to teach Chinese (? ) language and culture.