China 2010Day 3

Shidong Middle School

Mr Sainsbury

Mr Sainsbury’s Letter from Shanghai

Taught lesson today. Four staff observing and another videoing the lesson so no pressure there then. IT problems throughout but got through it ok! have some great responses to bring back.

I feel like I've been on an interview for the last two days! but seriously its been great. i have made some good contacts already with a few staff.

Wont be able to send a ppt tomorrow night as i am on the midnight train to Beijing.

Speak soonMr Sainsbury

Build in 1916 by an Englishman (not the handsome chap in the photo)

This is Rick, real name Zhi-Tao(pronounced dsee tow) He teaches English at the

school

Student shop filled with all sorts of food (no you’re not having one!)

Typical Classroom. This is an English lesson. They have projectors and whiteboards in classroom the same as

us

A few interesting facts...

• Students stand at the start of the lesson and greet the teacher.

• The standard of their English is excellent.• They begin learning English from the age of 3.• From the age of 6 they all have 5 hours of English lessons a

week until they leave school at 18.• They don’t have a bell for the end of lessons they have

musical chimes instead. Very civilised!• Each lesson lasts 45 min and they have a break between all

lessons (you’re not having that either!)• Students start their first lesson with eye exercises set to

music. This is to prevent eye strain.

Lunchtime.

Notice the uniform. They are colour coded to identify year groups.

Security Guard

We have discussed...

• The possibility of some of you visiting ShidongMiddle school and for their students to visit us.

• A joint project.

• Involving staff and students communicating via e-mail and blog.

• Sharing ideas.

• Our Y11 prom and might like some ideas from us.

• How they could help to teach us some Mandarin Chinese.

Gloria and Fionna, two more English Teachers.

Notice the Green Tea. Its really nice so I thought i’dbring some back with me.

Sudbury!!!

Meeting with students. They all choose English names as this is both easy for us to remember...and they like it.

Cheer

MilkyMarie

Ben(He is reallysmart)

Lewis Michael

Green Tea again!

Venice Bella Olly

Student Voice

• These students asked;

• Why does the UK send its waste to developing countries?

• How long do students study after school? (they do a minimum of an hour every night but usually three)

Giving...

Principle Jin

The Headteacher

and receiving gifts

Principle Jin with the other senior leaders

Agatha Li

Communist Party Secretary to the school

Let me translate for you... “Museum of Shidong Middle School History”

Scale model of the school

Original plans of school

Old science books donated by 84 year old former student.

I’ve got a copy of this one

Notice anything strange about these text books used by Chinese students?

The sports area is also used for the raising of the flag ceremony when the national anthem is played and the

students sing the school song.

The school has two rather flashy and expensive running tracks.

Next to the school the land is being redeveloped. The Headteacher hopes to have a new school built in the

near future