The first day, when I walked into the schoolyard I found the Chinese flag flying in the air. I was shocked and had a beautiful feeling that I was at home. It made me feel very happy and it was so unforgettable. The head teacher is kind, friendly and helpful. He showed me around and introduced me to the students. He took time to tell different groups of students that I would have lunch with them and if they had any questions, they could ask me at that time. So I had a wonderful beginning and what he had done made me feel relaxed and at home.

The students are as kind as the staff of the school. They are very curious about the outside world and have a strong motivation to learn what they don’t know.  Working at Broughton Junior School I can feel the love and peace clearly. I like these kind of work environment.

Holme Valley is a Primary School, so I have had an opportunity to work with the young children in Key Stage 1. They are so lovely and sweet. I can clearly remember the day I taught them to sing Happy Birthday in Chinese. They were so excited and confident to stand up at the front and show how excellent they were. After class, several children came up to me to sing and count the numbers and show how much they enjoyed their Chinese lessons. No one could not be moved by this kind of students. I call them little gentlemen and ladies. I loved the time together with them.

My experience in Witerton School and Thomas Sumpter School was similar. I taught some Mandarin and introduce some Chinese cultures. I also taught them morning exercises, Tai Chi Sword and even joined in the music class to introduce Chinese songs. When I found the students really enjoyed learning something new and always showed me smiling and friendly faces, I really felt sweet and successful inside. To be with the students like this, you will say to be a teacher is great.  

Even more, I have had some opportunities to observe classes too including PSE, Science and Design & Technology which is my favourite.  I was surprised about the students’ creativity. They could make so many brilliant things that I would have thought impossible. They really learned by making things step by step. That is also what I have thought for a long time because I found the British people really enjoy their own life and are very good at making things, no matter they are old or young . It seems that I have got some answers. I am so lucky to have had this opportunity to learn from them about developing the students’ higher-order thinking skills and the skills to be both creative and innovative and that is just what I am looking for.

I am lucky because once a week I also have an opportunity to talk with the head teacher, Angela Briggs, from Thomas Sumpter School, which is our link school. I like English head teachers’ professional behaviour and I enjoyed seeing her way of solving the problems. She is very kind to the staff and makes very good plans to make everything in order. I am happy to be with this group of people and I think I will definitely miss them when I go back to China.

I wish the students in the UK enjoy your study because you will be benefit in the future and wish the people here be happy every day. You are welcome to China to see us all, especially to Dalian. And I will be there waiting for you!