16.04.24
Brandlehow Primary School is a vibrant community primary school in the Putney area of South West London.
Recently the primary school has embarked on a new and exciting journey to establish cultural exchanges between a school in China, supporting the school’s ambitions to equip the pupils with the skills, knowledge and experiences in an interconnected and globalised world.
Headteacher James Lacey has travelled on a Leadership Delegation to Wuhan alongside other UK school leaders to meet with the local Education Bureau and establish a Sister School Partnership with the University Primary School of Wuhan.
In the signing ceremony, James Lacey, Headteacher at Brandlehow School said:
“As we embark on this journey together, it is my desire that we endeavour towards a collective aim to foster not only an environment of mutual learning, understanding, and respect but also to develop global citizens who are not just confined to their local communities, but are open to the world.
In the era of globalization, it is essential that we equip our children with an understanding of diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles sharing the best elements of both our great nations.
This exchange program provides an excellent opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, to learn from their peers in Wuhan, and to share their own experiences of life in London. It is our belief that through such interactions, our students will not only broaden their perspectives, but also cultivate empathy, respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity.”
It is our belief that through such interactions, our students will not only broaden their perspectives, but also cultivate empathy, respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
This new global partnership comes after the London-based primary school welcomed a group of Chinese students earlier in the year and unlocked the transformational whole-school benefits of immersive cultural exchanges.
James said: “In January 2024, we hosted a group of students from across Beijing and the legacy of this visit lives on in the way our children talk about China and the close friendships they made with their buddies. It is with great pleasure that we look forward to welcoming our friends from our sister schools in Wuhan to London in the coming months and years.
The legacy of this visit lives on in the way our children talk about China and the close friendships they made with their buddies.
Our proximity to the capital city, rich in history and culture, will provide a vibrant backdrop for our visitors to experience life in the UK. From the iconic London Eye to the historic Tower of London, our diverse food scene to our world-renowned museums and galleries, we are excited to share the best of what our city has to offer.
Conversely during this leadership delegation visit I am privileged to visit your welcoming establishments and see the very best of Wuhan and surrounding areas. The children back in London cannot wait to hear my stories of my experience here as well as pictures of your beautiful country.”
