20/09/24
This week Thomas returned to his former school, Calday Grange Grammar School, to deliver a talk to Mandarin A-Level students about his global journey; ignited by a very special school trip to China.
After finding his passion for the Chinese language and culture, Thomas became one of the very first students in the UK to study Mandarin A-Level. Since then, Thomas has lived and worked in China, speaks fluent Mandarin and has founded an organisation that gives young people the opportunities they need to develop as a global citizen.
On his return to the school, Thomas said:
“Returning to the location of one’s origin story is always an odd experience.
Being invited to share my experience of life after Calday Grange Grammar School, having been in the first A-Level Mandarin cohort at the school some 20 years ago, was an offer I could not refuse.
Sharing with the class of boys who chose to spend their lunchtime listening and engaging with me from a number of year groups was a great sign of these gentlemen’s potential future success. They all demonstrated a keen dedication to complete the difficult mission of mastering a language like Mandarin and a curiosity to learn from their seniors, someone who has walked a path less trodden and returned to share its boon.
The trip I took in Year 9 to Kunming with my teacher Mrs Lisa Wang was a seminal moment in my life and transformed my future by thoroughly inspiring me in those moments. Seeing a world ripe for exploration that learning the linguistic and cultural skills to successfully immerse in thrilled me and gave me one of life’s greatest gifts: Clarity of vision. I was rewarded with a clear sense of direction, a strong tailwind that propels me forward through today into the future I am creating at the Global School Alliance.
It was great to meet with the Mandarin Department which continues to lead the way in the UK’s Chinese teaching and learning scene, driven forward by Mrs Gan Wei’s eternal hard work and passion. The gents are lucky to have her and in questioning are aware of this simple fact, that lady luck has smiled upon them, they all intend not to miss out on her invitation.
Pictured: Thomas Camilleri (GSA Founder) with Mrs Gan Wei (Head of Mandarin Programme)
I look forward to being back there soon and hopefully leading them on a delegation throughout more of China.”
Stephen Gray, Headteacher at Calday Grange Grammar School said: “I am absolutely delighted and proud to see one of our former students now working in such an important area. As a school, we have a deep commitment to teaching Mandarin and have witnessed the benefits which enhanced cultural awareness and learning such an important strategic language brings to our community. I look forward to further collaboration in the future.”
I am absolutely delighted and proud to see one of our former students now working in such an important area.
