TIPD and IPH visits from UK to China draw together networks of schools, headteachers and teachers and local education authorities working in partnership to examine models of good practice.

The visits aim to help schools in China and the UK develop world class standards through world class experience. TIPD is concerned with enhancing teaching skills through focussed study visits and exchanges, and providing breadth of understanding about the alternative pedagogies employed in different countries. What works in the classroom is the key issue, but an understanding of the process, content, environment and microteaching strategies is also crucial.

For UK schools, teachers engage and share in professional dialogue with colleagues across the world to demonstrate that what happens in classrooms in the UK can be influenced by positive examples from China. The DfES supports this programme and interested schools are invited to submit applications to the World Links Team, British Council London.

For the Chinese school, the visit is the chance to learn about teaching in the UK, reflect on their own practices, and it can even be the start of developing a partnership with the visiting UK school. The UK and Chinese schools need to agree on mutually beneficial themes to share consultation and best practice, and agree in advance on objectives of the visit and on whatever follow-up is desirable.