Science Coordinator Ben Barrass highlights how this unique experience broadened pupils’ horizons and inspired a deeper sense of global citizenship.
At Firs Primary School in Derby, we believe that education goes far beyond the classroom walls. This term, we had the incredible opportunity to host a group of students from China—and the experience has left a lasting impact on our entire school community.
With children from 49 different countries and over 50 languages spoken across our school, we are proud of our rich diversity and were certainly up for the challenge of welcoming new international friends!
Our journey began with a visit to Hefei, China, where members of our staff and a group of our pupils were warmly welcomed and immersed in the rich traditions, values, and educational practices of our Chinese counterparts. Taking 12 inner-city children—some of whom had never flown before—was a huge step for our school, but an incredibly rewarding one. Witnessing the vibrancy of Chinese culture firsthand deepened our appreciation for global diversity and sparked ideas for how we could bring that same spirit of connection back to Derby.
When the Chinese students arrived at Firs, our school came alive with excitement. We kicked off with a welcome ceremony, where our Headteacher, Paula Martin, introduced our guests to the school alongside a visit from the Mayor of Derby. We shared celebratory performances we had been working on throughout the year: Year 5/6 sang beautifully, Year 3/4 showcased their violin skills, and our Russian drama club performed and recited poetry with pride.
Our pupils were thrilled to become buddies, guiding their new friends through daily routines, sharing lessons, and learning about each other’s lives. The buddy system proved to be a powerful tool—not only did it help the visiting students feel at home, but it also gave our children a sense of pride, responsibility, and curiosity.
They quickly discovered cultural differences—like how Chinese students often go home for lunch and don’t have playtime like we do—but embraced these differences with open minds. Many overcame language barriers independently, using creativity and critical thinking to connect.
Throughout the week, classrooms buzzed with conversations in both English and Mandarin. Our guests experienced a classic English curriculum, and we made sure to showcase the best of what we do. A highlight was our art project, where a specialist teacher led a weaving activity using willow and wool—90 children and 10 teachers in one hall created a joyful, buzzing atmosphere!
We also opened up our after-school clubs to our visitors, offering a wide variety of engaging activities: Science Club- making slime, multi-sports- led by expert coaches, Art and DT- building strong structures, Coding & Animation – using Scratch and stop-frame software, and of course… Drumba—a firm favourite!
The impact of this exchange has been profound. Our pupils developed deeper cultural understanding, empathy, and global awareness. Teachers noticed increased engagement, as students asked thoughtful questions and made meaningful connections between their own lives and those of their new friends. Parents shared how their children came home inspired and eager to learn more about the world.
Parents shared how their children came home inspired and eager to learn more about the world.
This experience reminded us that when we open our doors to the world, we open our hearts and minds as well. Hosting the Chinese students was more than a visit—it was a celebration of friendship, learning, and the shared joy of discovery.
At Firs Primary School, we are proud to be a place where global connections are nurtured and where every child is encouraged to see themselves as a citizen of the world.
