STUDENTS from a Derby secondary school have returned from a cultural exchange visit to China with glowing praise for the country’s school system — even saying they preferred their style of learning.

Pupils from Murray Park School in Mickleover travelled to Hefei as part of a visit arranged through the Global Schools Alliance, where they experienced first-hand what life is like for young people in a Chinese school. 

Year 9 student Lacey Michalik, in Year 9, said: “It was such an incredible experience. They start the day with yoga and have a much longer and more structured day.

“The food was completely different and sometimes we weren’t even sure what we were eating, but we all embraced it.

“I loved wearing traditional Chinese clothes that the students there kindly share with us and how welcome we felt throughout the trip. When we arrived at the school, the students were cheering and waving from the windows. 

“Out in public, people were taking pictures with us, we felt like celebrities.”

The visit was split between time in the classroom and sightseeing in Shanghai, but many said they actually preferred being in school.

Year 8 student Annabelle Keogh said: “While I was excited to come home and see my family, I quickly realised how much I had enjoyed life over there. 

“The schools were really regimented, but in a good way. It felt so safe and organised — like everyone knew exactly where they should be and what they should be doing. 

“It’s not like normal classrooms, it’s more like lecture halls, but the students all sit so still and listen so intently. 

“It made a big difference to how comfortable I felt. And that feeling filtered through into the wider society too — everywhere felt really safe, welcoming and calm.”

The group received a warm welcome on arrival, with Chinese students performing a traditional flag and drum ceremony. Excited to meet their British visitors, pupils leaned out of windows and lined the corridors, eager to get a glimpse.

As part of the week’s integration activities, a friendly football match was arranged — and while it initially leaned in favour of the Chinese students, a Murray Park comeback led to a decision by the teachers to declare it a draw at half-time to ensure a balanced outcome. 

However, a healthy sense of competition remains, with Murray Park students keen to host a rematch when their Chinese counterparts visit the UK.

Year 8 student Zalan Nagy said: “Meeting the pupils was amazing — they welcomed us so warmly and we learned so much about their way of life. 

“I am looking forward to securing a victory for Murray Park, when we get to complete the football match. 

“I was really looking forward to visiting the sights in Shanghai, but I actually preferred being at the school. It was so interesting to see how different it was to our school day. 

“Their school life is very different to ours, they move between lessons in big groups and even start the day with yoga. Some students can go home to rest during the day or even sleep at school.

The trip was led by assistant headteacher Joe Hyndman, who has now taken part in three of these exchanges. He praised the pupils for their attitude and maturity throughout the visit. He said: “I was so proud of the way our students embraced the experience.

“They took everything in their stride, showed curiosity, respect and enthusiasm, and represented Murray Park School brilliantly. They were a credit to the school and to Derby.”

The cultural exchange is one of many opportunities at Murray Park designed to broaden pupils’ horizons and offer them a truly global perspective — something the school is proud to champion as part of its wider learning approach.