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Shanghai & Hefei, China
Lees Brook Academy is a thriving secondary school in Derby and part of Archway Learning Trust. The school is committed to delivering a high-quality, broad and balanced curriculum for all students, regardless of background or ability. With a strong emphasis on personal development and academic excellence, Lees Brook Academy sets high expectations in every aspect of school life.
Trip to China
Lees Brook Academy took 22 students from Derby to Shanghai and Hefei for a one week cultural experience our students will never forget. From the skyscrapers of Shanghai along the Bund, to the sites of Sanhe Ancient Town, we experienced both modern and traditional China. For many people, this opportunity is once in a lifetime, and our students definitely made the most of their experience. They were all incredibly excited to purchase souvenirs from the night markets for their family and friends, try different foods and flavours not experienced before and interact with local people.
Strengthening links with partner school
Visiting our sister school, Hefei No.50 Middle School, during our visit built on our already established partnership . In 2024 we hosted 30 students from No.50 at Lees Brook, so when we visited Hefei in April 2025, many of our students were reunited with their buddies whom they had kept in touch with.
During our school visit, students exchanged gifts with their buddies, watched traditional Chinese performances, took part in calligraphy lessons, AI courses, football friendly matches and much more. For our students, this has provided a wonderful opportunity to participate in a culture different from their own, form global bonds, and make friends across the world.
Measuring the impact
As part of the exchange, our students have developed skills such as communication and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone. In the modern world, it is essential that young people are able to communicate across language barriers, look outward, and be inclusive of those with whom we have differences in culture, language and experiences. Our students have reinforced existing friendships with their buddies, and forged new ones. Such an experience has enhanced our pupils global awareness through interacting with different cultures, learning small phrases of Mandarin and trying new foods.
Aspirations for developing the partnership
We are hosting Hefei No.50 Middle School for a second year in July 2025, and intend on running our exchange trip to China again in 2026. We are keen to ensure that when Hefei No.50 visits Lees Brook, they also experience English culture, develop their communication and language skills as well as participate in daily school life here in Derby.
Clare Watson, Principal at Lees Brook Academy, said: “22 of our students had the incredible opportunity to visit China. From exploring new cultures to building international friendships, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience! We are so proud of they way they represented our school and can’t wait to see how this unforgettable journey inspires them for the future.”
From exploring new cultures to building international friendships, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Would you recommend this experience to another school?
This is undoubtedly an experience I would recommend to any school. The cultural capital this experience builds for students is unmatched. The sites, sounds, smells, and learning experiences on offer cannot be replicated without taking part in a cultural exchange. For many students, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even if students visit China again, very few (if any) are likely to take part in daily Chinese school life.
How has the Global School Alliance supported you?
GSA have supported us through every step of setting up the exchange, through connecting us with our partner school, itinerary planning, visa applications, Turing funding applications and even down to which restaurants and hotels we will be eating or staying in. As a result, the process was incredibly smooth and one I cannot wait to undertake again with GSA in 2026.
