Sharing Learnings with Partner Schools
14th February 25
Strong partnerships are always mutually enriching and so far in 2025 we have been delighted to welcome three of our partner schools to Cambridge to strengthen our relationship and share learnings and best practice.
In January we welcomed Ningbo Foreign Language School from China to Abbey College Cambridge for a week of educational experiences. The week’s schedule included lessons, university lectures, an enrichment programme and an opportunity to share best practice in high-quality teaching and learning.
Last week we welcomed 2 exchange students from our partner school in Italy, Malignani. Our Italian exchange students are spending time here experiencing life in the school and experiencing British Culture.
On Monday we welcomed Chongqing School from China for the afternoon. 42 students and members of staff spent the afternoon here learning about life at a British boarding school.
We are also preparing for the annual visit from our partner school in Slovakia who will be joining one of our March student-led conferences in addition to our Cambridge partner schools CAST, Ely College, St Bede’s, The Perse, St Mary’s Cambridge, and Felsted from Essex.
In addition, our Year 9s – the majority of which are local day pupils – have been embarking on an inter-continental project, partnering with students from ESCA, a South African Independent School, on a UN’s Sustainable Development Goals research project. Each pupil has picked one goal each, and for the last few months has been working online in conjunction with a South African student partner on a thought-provoking research project. We are looking forward to welcoming the South African pupils to Abbey College Cambridge in March, where students from both nations will jointly present their research to the wider school community.
We look forward to welcoming more of our partner schools to Cambridge after the half term break and our Year 9 students are looking forward to their return trip to Italy.
Here’s what some of our visiting students had to say about their time at Abbey College Cambridge:
“It was a great honor for me to attend the Abbey College class. There, I got to know students from all over the world, and taking classes with them not only broadened my horizon, but also made me feel the charm of different cultures. In the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere of the class, I learned a lot of knowledge, these valuable experiences will accompany me to grow up and become valuable wealth in my life journey.”
“In these few days at Abbey College, I feel that I have gained a lot. It’s really a surprise! In class, the teacher spoke very seriously, and the way was very interesting. In English class, everyone discussed in groups, and the atmosphere was very lively. I spoke English unconsciously! The English environment in Abbey College is very strong. The campus environment is also very good. The architectural style is very historical, but it is full of modern facilities, which is not out of date at all. The teachers and classmates are very friendly. I feel that everyone is like a family, very warm. After a few days of experience, I really think Abbey College is a very good place! I’m very happy at Abbey College!”
“Since the moment I’ve arrived I’ve immediately felt like home thanks to everyone’s kindness. The houseparents are always available and ready to help you. The accommodation is perfect, it has everything. I really enjoy the aspect that the students can choose which subjects they want to attend and the lessons are very interesting.”
“When I arrived at the college, I immediately felt welcome. The accommodation and boarding school staff were kind and always available (making me feel almost at home greeting me with ‘buongiorno’, ‘buonasera’). The lessons are different from Italy, but I like them, the teachers are helpful and even if I don’t understand something I can grasp new things every day. I immediately met new people from Iran, Slovakia, China…everyone was very willing to help and make friends.”
“With the guidance of my study partner, I started my first day at Abbey College. Under this environment, I was really immersed in language learning. Especially for the course of Academic English. The first class, we focused on speaking skills and talked with people from all over the world. For instance, some topic like “what do you think should be done with media information” was relatively difficult for us to discuss. When finding it, the teacher let our partners to take example and tell us some advice on speaking. Therefore, I really appreciate this opportunity that I can go to Abbey College to learn and live.”
“The study and experience have made me feel very good. The classmates are very friendly and help us. Although Chemistry and Physics are a little difficult for me, the class is very interesting. The teacher is willing to help us. The Chemistry experiment is very interesting. Although Physics is relatively difficult, it doesn’t matter. My classmates and teachers can help each other. And when we played Rugby tag in Year 9, Rugby is a sport that I have never been exposed to. Our group is very united. Although everyone is playing for the first time, I think it’s great to be able to do this. The physical education teacher also patiently taught us how to play. That’s good teaching.”
“Participating in a high-school study tour in the UK was an eye-opening adventure. The moment I stepped into the British high school, I was greeted by a vibrant and inclusive campus. The classes were quite different from those in my home country. Teachers encouraged students to express opinions freely during lively discussions, which was a refreshing change. This study tour not only improved my academic skills but also broadened my horizons, leaving me with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
“It’s my third day in Abbey College. In the morning, we had a special lesson – computer science. It’s fun because there’s no computer science class in China. The teacher is patient. He shows us very fully in games how computers sort numbers. We all loved the game. Next, we had biology. We did a interesting experiment. In my school, we seldom do experiments, but in Abbey, experiments are everywhere, we even have classes in laboratories. In the afternoon, we had a music class. I think the teacher really loves music because she is immersed in music. So, the teachers in Abbey are nice! The students are good, too. In class, when I don’t know what should I do, they help me. And they’re lively and enthusiastic. I had a happy day in Abbey College Cambridge.”
“The experience of studying at a British high school was truly unforgettable. During the one-week program, I got to immerse myself in the unique charm of the British education system. The classroom atmosphere was relaxed yet engaging, with teachers encouraging students to express their ideas freely. Unlike the more rigid teaching methods I was used to, British classes emphasized critical thinking and open discussions. Subjects were taught in creative ways, often integrating real-world examples to make learning more relatable. Group activities and collaborative projects also allowed me to work closely with students from different cultural backgrounds, fostering both teamwork and cross-cultural understanding.”
“The students here are confident to show themselves. They are not afraid of making mistakes. I think this is important for Chinese students learn. Also the lessons for me may be difficult, but I can sense the different style between UK and China’s education. I value the rest of the time in Abbey.”
