Pupils from Watford and China come together ‘as a family’ after taking part in exchange project (From Watford Observer)

Pupils from Watford and China come together ‘as a family’ after taking part in language exchange project

3:00pm Sunday 14th October 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Pupils from Watford and China have come together ‘as a family’ after taking part in an exchange project.
 

Watford Grammar School for Girls joined up with two schools in Chengdu Oxford International College of Chengdu and Chengdu Experimental Middle School to share each other’s schooling experiences and home life.
 

Pupils from Watford Grammar School for Girls flew to China in May this year, were they were heavily involved in maths, a musical performance and learning Mandarin.
 

Helen Hydes, head teacher at the school, said: “It was some of our girls first time abroad, which was very exciting. 
 

“It has really benefitted the girls and they have really developed in confidence.
 

“We are one big family and the Chinese girls are now Watford girls.
 

“It wasn’t just about the girls learning the language, the Chinese culture is also very important
 

“We are really pushing for the Chinese culture to be entwined in to all our subjects here.” 
 

The Chinese pupils have been in Watford for the past two weeks and their last day at the school was on Friday (October 12).  
 

Emma Collier 15, who is a pupil at Watford Grammar School for Girls, said:

“It was a great experience and really important to see a different culture.
 

"I really enjoyed it and it was really interesting to learn how different it is and how different countries live and do things.
 

“It was my first time somewhere that fair on my own.”
 

Both pupils were able to develop their skills in each other’s languages and

Watford pupils were able to improve their Mandarin skills, while they helped the pupils from China with their English. 
 

Vanessa Chen, 17, who visited England for the first time and goes to Chengdu Experimental Middle School, said: “The school is building is beautiful. 
 

“It is much older than our school building which is very modern.
 

“I would like to thank the school for having us because it was such a great experience."
 

MP Richard Harrington was also welcomed in to the school to learn about the exchange project, which was sponsored by Chartered accountants RDP Newmans.
 

Mr Harrington said: “For me it is important for future relationships with China, trade and culture wise.
 

“My son is currently studying Mandarin as part of his university course and it is very to learn Mandarin and good to see it being learnt in our borough of Watford.“