INSIGHTS into Asia and its diverse school systems were explored and brought back to Penola by Mary MacKillop Memorial School principal Maureen Hanrahan and teacher Pip Schinckel after their educational trip to China.
Eight teachers from Catholic Education South Australia travelled to China as part of the School Principals and School Leaders China Tour.
The leaders visited Shandong University Chinese Culture Experience Hall with several schools to observe lessons, participate and learn from each other.
“It was a learning experience for both countries as the teachers wanted to gain as much information from us as we did from them,” Ms Schinckel said.
Overall the leaders visited 13 international schools and attended a Chinese Good Habits forum, with a focus on social skills.
It was the first trip to China for the pair who visited six different cities during this time.
“We have returned with a greater understanding of Chinese culture which we are now able to share with the students,” Ms Schinckel said.
She said the school wanted the students to be global citizens and understand the importance of different cultures.
“Our geography unit at the school compares the two countries’ different environments and I was able to show students these differences first-hand,” Ms Schinckel said.
Ms Hanrahan said the system in China was immaculately structured and had significantly larger class sizes, which they handled well.
The whirlwind two-week tour also ensured teachers were culturally educated as they took part alongside activities including visiting Tienanmen Square and walking the Great Wall of China.
Teachers hoped to continue to showcase what they had learnt with students and share more information with staff.
Due to the warm welcome Ms Hanrahan and Ms Schinckel received on arrival in China and the country’s generous hospitality, they found it a journey to remember.
The trip was a combined initiative between Confucius Institute, University of Adelaide and Catholic Education South Australia.
