Loughborough College has visited China to help raise the profile of UK teacher training after being invited to join a delegation of experts by the Department of International Trade.
David Andrews, a lecturer at Loughborough College with more than 20 years of experience in teacher education, was part of a group including representatives from leading UK universities and training providers selected to spend time with educators in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, with the aim of forming new partnerships for collaborative work.
The visit supports the College’s continuing work, building global relationships which provide outstanding opportunities for students and staff. CEO John Doherty recently signed an agreement worth more than £1 million setting a path to partnership with polytechnics across Dongguan in China, which was witnessed in Xi’an by UK Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, Baroness Fairhead and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to China, Baroness Woodward.
David delivered a keynote presentation in Guangzhou and led his own workshop in Shanghai as part of the three city series of Bilingual Teacher Training conferences organised by the DIT, the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy.
“We also visited several international and bilingual schools which offered a really valuable insight into the range of approaches in the Chinese education system.
“The UK is seen as a world leader in effective teaching and learning and it was great to have the opportunity to share our success stories and best practice with educators in China, as well as to establish links with colleagues in this country.
“It will certainly be helpful in taking forward our work at Loughborough College as we continue to develop international study, teaching, apprenticeship and training opportunities. This will include 20 teachers from Dongguan Polytechnic coming to the College this year for a training programme, which I will help to deliver.”
Head of International at Loughborough College, Angela Mogridge, added: "I have already received very positive feedback on the impact of David’s visit to China and I am excited by the new opportunities it will have created for the College and for our students.”
Pictured: Loughborough College was invited to join a group of experts to raise the profile of UK teacher training on a three city tour of China. David Andrews is standing eighth from the right