On Friday 15th May we welcomed 34 educators from China to our school. Hosting these study tours creates educational, cultural, and strategic benefits for both staff and students.
Professional Learning for Your Staff
Teachers from the study tour gain exposure to different teaching methods, curriculum structures, classroom management approaches, and educational philosophies used.
This can lead to:
- New ideas for literacy, numeracy, and STEM instruction
- Stronger differentiation strategies
- Greater understanding of high-performing education systems
- Reflection on their own teaching practices
Many schools find these exchanges become practical professional development rather than just cultural visits.
Global Citizenship for Students
Students benefit enormously from direct international engagement.
They can develop:
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Curiosity about the world
- Respect for cultural diversity
- Confidence interacting with international visitors
Enhanced School Reputation
As an accreted Education Queensland International (EQI) accredited school, we host partnerships that strengthen our school’s profile locally and internationally.
Benefits may include:
- Positioning the school as globally connected
- Increased attractiveness to prospective families
- Opportunities for media coverage and community recognition
- Stronger branding around innovation and intercultural education
This can be particularly valuable for independent schools or schools competing for enrolments.
Long-Term International Partnerships
A short study tour can evolve into ongoing collaboration with schools or education organisations in China.
Potential outcomes:
- Student exchange programs
- Sister-school relationships
- Joint projects
- Online classroom collaborations
- Shared curriculum initiatives
- Reciprocal teacher visits
These relationships often create opportunities far beyond the initial visit.
Teacher Leadership Opportunities
Hosting international delegations creates leadership roles for staff in:
- Program design
- Educational presentation
- Intercultural facilitation
- International partnership management
This helps develop leadership capacity within the school. A number of our staff were activity involved in presenting to our visitors and classrooms across every year level welcomed them into classrooms so they could observe and chat with the teachers and students.
Mr Davey is our schools accredited EQI ambassador and was thrilled to welcome the visitors from China. The 34 delegates teach in primary schools from all over China and were overwhelmed with the dynamic learning environment here at MacGregor. Mrs Chiang one of our Year 6 teachers helped facilitate and lead the day with our visitors.
Our visitors day comprised of visiting classrooms guided by Mrs Ghusn, Mrs Van den Boogard, Mrs Chiang, Mrs Hirini and Mr Davey, watching and viewing teaching and learning in the classrooms, an in depth review of curriculum with our Head of Department Mrs Hirini and a Q&A session featuring Mr Gerchow, Mrs Chiang, Miss MacCLoud, Mrs Hirini and Mrs Van den Boogard.
The final session of the day was showcasing digital learning. Miss MacCloud hosted this session and was able to welcome Miss French and her class to the STEM Lab to showcase how they use digital technology tools and resources to support their learning.
Thanks to everyone who helped to support this visit. We look forward to showcasing more of our school throughout the year.