Work experience on offer for students – in Shanghai (From Knutsford Guardian)

Work experience on offer for students – in Shanghai

12:30pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By James Wilson

STUDENTS in Knutsford have the chance to boost their CVs thanks to a blooming partnership in the Far East.

On October 8, Knutsford Academy hosted a visit from Jianguo Zhu, head master of Pudong Foreign Languages School in Shanghai and vice- chancellor of Shanghai International Studies University.

In a number of international studies the Shanghai region of China has been identified as a top-performing education system, where students achieve very highly in terms of international tests of ability.

Knutsford Academy has had a link with Pudong Foreign Languages School for more than 10 years, with annual exchanges of students taking place during this time.

Mr Zhu was in Knutsford to mark the success of this exchange programme and to explore the possibility for deepening ties between the two schools.

Kevin Hollins, head teacher at Knutsford Academy, said the partnership will mean Knutsford pupils taking part in work placements in one of China’s biggest cities.

“The academy is at the forefront in England in developing employability skills while maintaining very high academic performance,” he said.

“Mr Zhu is aware of the work the Academy has been doing as it has attracted national attention and the support of the Department for Education in London.

“Having visited a range of lessons he spoke of the obvious high standards in the school and is keen for Knutsford Academy to play a part in a joint project to look at curriculum reform and development.

“He is also keen to offer a range of opportunities for Knutsford Academy students to be involved in study visits in Shanghai and to take part in programmes such as work experience in the city.

“This will give Knutsford students a huge opportunity to expand their CVs.”