领事到访，中英双校共绘“无界校园”

As the only partner school of Fettes College UK, Fettes College Guangzhou maintains a close and ongoing connection with the sister school in the UK, with a history of 155 years. This month, a delegation of 25 students and teachers from Fettes College UK, travelled to Guangzhou, together with Mr Nick Duvivier, Acting Consul-General of the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou, and Mr Mian Huang from the International Exchange and Cooperation Division of the Education Bureau of Guangzhou Municipality. Together, they visited Fettes College Guangzhou, marking the beginning of a cross-cultural exchange between the two schools.

Education knows no boundaries, and culture brings people together. This gathering, centred on youth, allowed students from China and the UK to broaden their global perspectives through interaction, plant the seeds of international friendship through shared experiences, and bring the idea of a “borderless campus” into everyday reality.

During the assembly, Mr Nick Duvivier, Acting Consul-General, and Mr Mian Huang delivered speeches, affirming the significance of the exchange and encouraging students to act as young ambassadors of cultural exchange between China and the UK.

“It is a real pleasure to be here today at Fettes College Guangzhou. Standing here, surrounded by young people from both the United Kingdom and China, I am reminded of the power of education to bring people together - across different cultures, languages and continents.

Education has long been one of the strongest pillars of the UK - China relationship.  Schools like Fettes College play a particularly important role - not only delivering academic excellence, but helping shape young people who are confident, curious, and ready to engage with the world around them. And helping foster personal relationships which endure.

Today’s event is a wonderful example of that spirit. This exchange brings together teachers and students from Fettes College in the UK with their counterparts here in Guangzhou, which allow young people to step into each other’s worlds, to learn from one another, and to build lasting friendships. Such exchanges help students understand different cultures not as abstract concepts, but as lived realities. And at a time of much division and conflict around the world, they encourage respect for diverse perspectives and understanding of the simple fact that we are all very alike no matter where we come from.”

-- Mr Nick Duvivier

“At present, Guangzhou is taking a more proactive approach to advancing the opening-up of education, and continues to promote regular and diversified international exchanges among primary and secondary schools. These efforts enable more young people to broaden their horizons, expand their knowledge, and build friendships through cross-cultural engagement. The China–UK cultural exchange event hosted by Fettes College Guangzhou is a vivid example of putting international education into practice and creating a platform for meaningful exchange. It also marks a new chapter in Guangzhou’s international cooperation in basic education.

We hope that, taking this event as an opportunity, Fettes College Guangzhou and Fettes College UK will build a strong and lasting partnership, and carry out more practical collaboration in areas such as teacher and student exchanges, joint curriculum development, and cultural exchange, setting a model for China–UK dialogue and cooperation in basic education.

We also hope that all the students present will take this exchange as a starting point to become young ambassadors of the China–UK cultural exchange. By getting to know and engaging with one another, you will gain a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and, through mutual learning, strengthen your friendships. May today’s meaningful encounter become the motivation for you to move forward together in the future, and may the seeds of China–UK friendship take root, grow, and flourish in your hearts—spanning mountains and seas, and being passed on from generation to generation.”

-- Mr Mian Huang

On the day of the event, a joint themed school assembly brought together students from both schools as the central focus.

Students from Fettes College Guangzhou presented a series of creative performances. Art costumes designed by students were showcased alongside intelligent robots on stage, where technology and creativity came together, drawing admiration and applause from the visiting UK students.

Students from Fettes College UK, then presented a traditional Scottish performance. As the sound of bagpipes filled the hall, students dressed in traditional attire performed coordinated dances, bringing the atmosphere of Edinburgh to life and offering an immersive experience of British culture.

Piano and violin performances, along with singing and dance, followed in turn. Rather than formal presentations, these were sincere cultural expressions. Chinese students conveyed the elegance of their culture through music, while UK students shared their traditions through energetic performances. Through this artistic exchange, students gained a deeper understanding of one another, appreciating differences while remaining rooted in their own cultures.

Offstage, students from both countries walked around the campus together. From classroom experiences to daily life, from personal interests to cultural customs, relaxed conversations quickly brought them closer.

Student representatives took the initiative to act as campus guides, introducing the school environment,special courses, and campus culture to Mr Nick Duvivier, Mr Mian Huang, and the visiting UK delegation. Their confident manner and fluent communication reflected the students' positive spirit.

Amid laughter and conversation, there were no barriers of nationality or language—only curiosity and friendliness between young people. Every exchange and every smile helped to bridge the distance between them.

At the “Dream Garden” on campus, the Expat and Chinese Heads of College, Mr Jeroen Gakes and Ms Julie Zheng, together with Ms Yvonne, Director of International Education and Partnerships of Fettes UK, and Mr Ryan Li, Advisory Board Member and President of Feishang Group, jointly unveiled the garden.

Following this, student and staff representatives from both schools worked together to plant and water a sapling symbolising friendship. Rooted in the soil, this young tree represents not only the bond between the two schools, but also a shared vision for continued collaboration in education.

Gathered around the tree, participants expressed their hope that this friendship would grow steadily, that mutual understanding would take root, and that the story of China–UK friendship would continue through future generations.

From cultural exchange on stage to shared experiences across campus to the planting of a friendship tree, this visit was defined not by formal speeches but by genuine interaction. Students from both countries grew through mutual learning and built lasting friendships, demonstrating how education can connect people across distance and culture.

The sapling planted today will grow and flourish, just as the partnership between the two schools will continue to deepen. In the future, Fettes College Guangzhou and Fettes College will further strengthen collaboration through student exchanges, shared curriculum development, and cultural initiatives—continuing to expand the idea of a “borderless campus” and enabling students to move confidently towards a broader world.