China Leadership & Cultural Exchange 2026
China 2026 – Our Shanghai Adventure Begins!
After months of preparation, leadership activities, and cultural learning through our China Lunchtime Club, the day finally arrived! Twenty-four students and four staff embarked on an unforgettable journey to Shanghai as part of our China 2026 Leadership & Cultural Exchange programme.
Over the next week, students would immerse themselves in Chinese culture, work alongside their buddy students, experience life in a Chinese school, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Excitement is building at King Edward VI School as our China 2026 Leadership & Cultural Exchange group prepares to depart for Shanghai this week. Over the past several months, students have shown exceptional commitment, maturity, and enthusiasm as they have prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime international opportunity.
Through our dedicated China Lunchtime Club, students have taken part in leadership activities, cultural workshops, team-building challenges, Mandarin learning, and preparations for the “Share Life” Farewell Tea Party performance that they will showcase alongside their partner school in China. We are incredibly proud of the level of personal growth, confidence, resilience, and teamwork that we have seen develop within the group.
The itinerary promises an unforgettable educational and cultural experience. Students will explore iconic landmarks including The Bund (reputed as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”), Yu Gardens, and Zhunjiajiao Ancient Town, while also taking part in leadership exchanges, STEM learning, martial arts experiences, cultural discussions, collaborative activities with students from our partner schools in Shanghai including having a meal with a host family. The visit reflects our commitment to developing global citizenship, leadership, and cultural understanding.
A particular highlight of the trip will be the opportunity for our students to work closely with their Chinese buddies and participate in the “Share Life” Farewell Tea Party, where they will present performances and cultural showcases they have been rehearsing together over recent weeks.
We would like to thank parents and carers for their continued support throughout the preparation process. We would also like to thank the staff involved in organising (Miss Doxon, Ms Sweny, Mr Spooner and Mr Grey) and supporting this exciting international partnership opportunity. A huge thank you Mr Last on ensuring the students had everything they needed.
We will keep the school community updated throughout the visit, and families will be able to follow our journey, experiences, and student highlights via the school website during the trip.
China 2026 – We’re on our way!
The King Edward VI School China 2026 Leadership & Cultural Exchange group has officially begun their journey to Shanghai! ✈️
Students have worked incredibly hard in preparation for this exciting opportunity, and we are so proud of the confidence, leadership, teamwork, and cultural understanding they have already shown.
Over the next week, students will take part in leadership activities, cultural experiences, school partnerships, and unforgettable educational visits across Shanghai.
We look forward to sharing updates from our journey throughout the week via the school website and social media channels.
Day 1 – Friday 15 May – The Journey Begins!
The excitement was palpable as students and staff departed King Edward VI School in the early hours of the morning and travelled to London Gatwick Airport.
After successfully checking in, the group boarded Air China flight CA848 and began the long-awaited journey to Shanghai. For many students, this was their first visit to China and one of the longest journeys they had ever undertaken.
The adventure had officially begun!
Day 2 – Saturday 16 May – Welcome to Shanghai!
After arriving in Shanghai early in the morning, students enjoyed breakfast before beginning their first exploration of this incredible city.
The group visited The Bund, one of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks, taking in spectacular views across the Huangpu River. Students were amazed by the contrast between historic Shanghai and the futuristic skyline dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower.
Following lunch, students met their buddy students and partner school staff before taking part in leadership activities together. The evening was a particular highlight as students enjoyed a home experience with their Chinese buddies, giving them a unique insight into family life and culture in China.
Day 3 – Sunday 17 May – Exploring China’s History and Culture
Sunday provided students with the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture.
The group visited the beautiful Yu Gardens, where students explored classical Chinese architecture, stunning landscapes, and traditional garden design. They also visited the famous Huxinting Teahouse and enjoyed learning about Chinese customs and traditions.
Later in the day, students visited the Shanghai Museum East Campus where they explored galleries dedicated to ancient Chinese art, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and Shanghai’s rich cultural history.
Students also managed to squeeze in some shopping.
Day 4 – Monday 18 May – A Day at Our Partner School
Students spent their first full day working alongside their buddy students from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School.
Following leadership activities and cultural exchanges, students toured the campus, attended a welcome ceremony, participated in a STEM lesson, and took part in discussions about how technology can improve people’s lives.
Students also experienced Baduanjin exercises, providing a fascinating insight into traditional Chinese health and wellbeing practices.
The friendships between students from both schools continued to flourish throughout the day.
Day 5 – Tuesday 19 May – Leadership in Action
Another exciting day at our partner school saw students participate in educational outreach activities and visit the Wu Changshuo Memorial Hall.
Students worked alongside their buddies, sharing stories and experiences from their weekend activities and taking part in a Wushu martial arts session.
Preparations also began for the upcoming Twinning Day celebrations and farewell events, with students working collaboratively across cultures and languages.
Day 6 – Wednesday 20 May – Celebrating Friendship and Culture
Wednesday was one of the highlights of the entire visit.
Students took part in leadership training, school open day activities, and a variety of cultural exchange opportunities. They proudly supported the school’s open day and engaged with younger pupils, demonstrating excellent leadership and communication skills.
The afternoon included rehearsals for the “Share Life” Farewell Tea Party before students finally showcased everything they had been working towards throughout the week. There were smiles, laughter, reflections, and many promises to stay in touch.
The performances were outstanding. Watching our students perform alongside their Chinese buddies demonstrated just how strong the friendships and partnerships had become during the visit.
Day 7 – Thursday 21 May – Ancient Water Town Adventures
The final full day in China saw the group visit the beautiful ancient water town of Zhujiajiao.
Students explored the historic streets, crossed traditional bridges, enjoyed a boat ride through the canals, and immersed themselves in the unique atmosphere of one of Shanghai’s most famous heritage sites. Some students and staff also got the opportunity to dress up in traditional Chinese outfits.
Many students also enjoyed purchasing souvenirs and artefacts to remember their incredible experience.
Later that evening, students attended a birthday lunch for one of the students on the trip.
Day 8 – Friday 22 May – Homeward Bound
After an unforgettable week, it was time to say goodbye to Shanghai.
Students departed Pudong International Airport in the early hours of the morning before arriving safely back in the UK.
Although the trip had come to an end, the friendships, experiences, and memories created will remain with students for a lifetime.
As Ellis reflected, the highlight of the trip was “the friends we’ve made along the way.”
And perhaps Imogen summed up the experience best when she said:
“I can get used to this!”
A huge thank you to Global School Alliance, our host Nana, Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School, our staff team, parents, and of course our incredible students for making China 2026 such a tremendous success.
Until September 2026, when we welcome our friends from Shanghai to the UK!
