Chinese Visit   January 2008

Oxford High School hosted a visit on Thursday 31st January by RenDaFuZhong, The High School affiliated to Renmin University of China in Beijing.
Madam Liu Pengzhi, Principal of the school was our Guest of Honour and was accompanied by senior members of her staff and members of the prestigious Art Troupe: dancers, martial arts and aerobics performers, coaches and support teachers. Also on the visit were officials from the Cultural Ministry of China and the Chinese Embassy.
Miss Lusk welcomed our guests, gifts were exchanged and then we were treated to an impressive range of musical, gymnastic and dramatic performances by our students from years 6 to 13. A high spot was Madam Liu’s impromptu participation in the African Drumming performance in the Music School. During a tour of the school the visitors were shown the Textiles and Art Studios and Design Technology workshops. OHS student hosts, both Mandarin and English speaking, showed the Art troupe dancers around the school and the event concluded with tea and refreshments in the Library. Protocol dictated that the young Chinese students could not eat any of the delicious sandwiches and cakes until the teachers had some first. Once we realised this, Miss Lusk took her first bite and everyone enjoyed the spread laid out in the Library.
The visitors left to perform at the Sheldonian Theatre, followed by a further Reception and performance in London the next day for guests of the GDST.