Anfeng Senior middle school in Shouxian
This trip was one of my 'special China experiences' and revived for me fond memories of times in 2007-2008 where I did such visits to schools and holiday programmes.
The greeting was rather warm by all the teachers. I was able to bring Margaret Harris who has been both friend and respected professional colleague of mine for over 5 years now.
Some of the local teachers had a huge day as they drove over 2 hours to collect us for their school in small city in the North West of Anhui. They returned with us to take us back to Hefei and of course had to return home meaning three trips or over 6 hours travel in a day for them. The school just wanted the chance to see a foreign teacher so they had two for an afternoon!.
The auditorium was full with over 1000 excited 14-16 year old students who hang on every word that was said. The big surprise for myself and Marg was some of the students spoke quite good English so that is a credit to the efforts of the teachers in a school where there is minimal contact with foreigners especially native English Speakers.
I thank Bob who is the Director of Foreign Exchange and Cooperation in the Anhui Education Department for organising the visit for us, and Victor for being a great host from Anfeng Senior High School..
That evening we were able to experience the local cuisine and some genuine Anhui Country style food.
The greeting was rather warm by all the teachers. I was able to bring Margaret Harris who has been both friend and respected professional colleague of mine for over 5 years now.
Some of the local teachers had a huge day as they drove over 2 hours to collect us for their school in small city in the North West of Anhui. They returned with us to take us back to Hefei and of course had to return home meaning three trips or over 6 hours travel in a day for them. The school just wanted the chance to see a foreign teacher so they had two for an afternoon!.
The auditorium was full with over 1000 excited 14-16 year old students who hang on every word that was said. The big surprise for myself and Marg was some of the students spoke quite good English so that is a credit to the efforts of the teachers in a school where there is minimal contact with foreigners especially native English Speakers.
I thank Bob who is the Director of Foreign Exchange and Cooperation in the Anhui Education Department for organising the visit for us, and Victor for being a great host from Anfeng Senior High School..
That evening we were able to experience the local cuisine and some genuine Anhui Country style food.
The Speeches by the Chinese leaders in the school.
Here we are the start with the typical Chinese opening ceremony and speeches by the school leaders. It was a chance also to do some brief marketing of the IIBT Porgramme as one of the leaders of Anhui Education Department explained what Margaret and I do with IIBT.
Alan a talk about Australia
I prepared a talk about Australia and including animals and sport There were deafening cheers when we practiced passes with the Aussie Rules ball and also demonstrated cricket.
Marg shared her experiences of American schools and gave an opportunity for students to ask questions and we closed with a session on studying English.
Marg shared her experiences of American schools and gave an opportunity for students to ask questions and we closed with a session on studying English.
A group photo before sharing an evening meal with some teachers and school leaders.
Here a group photo before sharing a meal with some of the teachers. I was pleased to be joined by wife and of course Tim my son who was a favourite among all the people there.
The Website of Anfeng School
If you can red Chinese this is the web-link for Anfeng Senior School
http://www.ahafzx.com/
There is a record of our visit also with great photos here http://www.ahafzx.com/Active_ny.asp?id=5912
http://www.ahafzx.com/
There is a record of our visit also with great photos here http://www.ahafzx.com/Active_ny.asp?id=5912
