China Impresses NZ School Principals
NZ principals at the Great Wall
Previous ideas about China were turned upside down for nine New Zealand school leaders who visited Beijing, Shanghai and Tongli in September as part of the Confucius Institute in Auckland’s 2012 Principals’ Delegation to China.
“The size and vastness of the country, its people, its industry and the education system were something that I was not prepared for,” reported Gerald Koberstein of Onerahi School in the principals’ feedback collected after the trip. His was a sentiment echoed by other members of this year’s delegation.
The primary and secondary principals and associate principals visited Beijing, Shanghai and the water city, Tongli, from 15 to 25 September.
The experience of actually going to China raised awareness of the country’s rich heritage, its diversity, its rapid progress and the importance of promoting Chinese programmes in schools to prepare students for a future that China will dominate.
Elaine Herbert, principal of Glenavon School said she was “amazed at how modern China was and how fast it was moving.”
Gerald Koberstein, a first time visitor to China, said, ”It has developed in me a desire to find more and to further build my understanding of China to help our children to appreciate and understand this part of the world we live in – Asia.” Maria Heron, principal of Mangere Central School, made a similar comment, “I’m now a keen student of Chinese history and culture and this is already influencing our school curriculum.”
The programme comprised visits to cultural sites, businesses and schools. Highlights included the Great Wall, the New Zealand Embassy, the ANZ bank and close to the principals’ hearts, school visits where the group observed lessons and compared notes with their Chinese counterparts.
Robert Herewini from Whakatane Intermediate joins in the school’s morning exercise.
Sandra Jenkins and Joan Miller chatting with Ms Chunli Yang, Director International, Wangjing School
The experience of actually going to China raised awareness of the country’s rich heritage, its diversity, its rapid progress and the importance of promoting Chinese programmes in schools to prepare students for a future that China will dominate.
Elaine Herbert, principal of Glenavon School said she was “amazed at how modern China was and how fast it was moving.”
Gerald Koberstein, a first time visitor to China, said, ”It has developed in me a desire to find more and to further build my understanding of China to help our children to appreciate and understand this part of the world we live in – Asia.” Maria Heron, principal of Mangere Central School, made a similar comment, “I’m now a keen student of Chinese history and culture and this is already influencing our school curriculum.”
The programme comprised visits to cultural sites, businesses and schools. Highlights included the Great Wall, the New Zealand Embassy, the ANZ bank and close to the principals’ hearts, and school visits where the group observed lessons and compared notes with their Chinese counterparts.
Sandra Jenkins observed teachers who, she thought, demonstrated lessons with “skilled pedagogy and a dedication to innovation, the arts and technology.” She enjoyed the opportunity to share ideas with them. She believes there are vast opportunities to learn from each other.
The principals are now preparing action plans to support the development of Chinese language and culture in their schools. Mandarin and sister school exchanges are on the list but also under consideration are similar professional development experiences for their staff and the encouragement of Chinese students in their schools to share and maintain their rich heritage.
This year’s delegation included Pauline Cowens, Tauranga Girls’ College; Richard Dykes, Pakuranga College; Elaine Herbert, Glenavon School; Rob Herewini, Whakatane Intermediate School; Maria Heron, Mangere Central School; Sandra Jenkins, Freemans Bay School; Gerald Koberstein Onerahi School; Joan Middlemiss, Mission Heights Junior College and Tom Webb, Onehunga High School.
Principals visit the residence of late Rewi Alley