Recently, Hiba Academy Nantong welcomed a delegation of teachers and pupils from Wellington College Prep in the UK. They travelled thousands of kilometres, bringing new international vibrancy to Hiba Academy.
"The pupils were eager to learn about and experience life at Hiba Academy. Upon arrival, we found the facilities excellent and the curriculum rich—we truly enjoyed this cultural exchange."
——Caitlin Hannah Farrell
Teacher, Wellington College Prep
Cultural Immersion
An International Classroom
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In the intangible cultural heritage workshop, Wellington College Prep pupils gathered around tables, tracing the delicate texture of handmade rice paper with their fingertips. "Paper is not merely a medium—it’s the essence of civilisation," the instructor explained, recounting the history of traditional papermaking, from Cai Lun’s innovations to its UNESCO heritage status. The pupils mimicked their teacher’s brush technique to ink their Chinese names onto red paper, the pigments blending just like their cultures.
The culinary classroom buzzed with excitement. British pupils kneaded dough and folded dumplings into whimsical shapes. They stuffed lotus paste into intricate moulds to make mooncakes. One visiting pupil remarked, "It’s astounding how China has preserved traditions like these mooncakes for three millennia."
Dragon and lion dance sessions sparked joy. Pupils manoeuvred silk dragons through undulating motions, while lion heads playfully blinked to cheers. "At first, they saw it as performance," noted the instructor, "but soon realised it embodies teamwork and symbolic strength."
Spirit Week
A Global Feast
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Wellington College Prep’s visit coincided with Hiba Academy Nantong’s Spirit Week, which transformed the campus into a microcosm of global cultures. At country-themed booths, pupils presented researched traditions, but sampling culinary treats required passing quizzes or games—from Chinese shuttlecock kicks to Spanish flamenco demonstrations.
"Being at this international school made connections effortless, I bonded with peers from Sweden to Brazil—it’s incredible to experience such diversity under one roof.”
——Pupil from Wellington College Prep
Brief Encounter,
Lasting Bonds
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They only stayed for three days, but they made lasting connections. Upon entering Hiba Academy Nantong’s Panda boarding house, Wellington pupils were greeted by an erhu performance. Their hosts then invited them to pluck the strings of traditional instruments.
Sports became a universal language: football matches presented opportunities for collaboration and teamwork. Hockey sessions saw British pupils coaching our Hiba pupils on stick-handling techniques. "Sports transcend borders—we gained skills and friendships," noted one Hiba Academy pupil.
From the precision of papermaking to the communal joy of dumplings, from calligraphy strokes to dragon dance rhythms, this exchange harmonised Eastern and Western traditions. Through such immersive programmes, Hiba Academy Nantong builds bridges where every encounter sows seeds of global citizenship in young minds.
