Lab coats and lanterns: a February week at Langley School
In February 2024, a group of students from China swapped their own classrooms for Langley School. They joined full school days alongside UK students, each paired with a UK buddy.
From the first morning, the visiting students followed their buddies’ timetables rather than a special programme of their own. That meant real lessons across the curriculum. In the science department, they pulled on white lab coats and safety glasses to carry out experiments alongside their classmates. The department’s cabinet of anatomical models was a popular stop between lessons.
In a languages classroom decorated with French bunting and a red Chinese lantern, UK and visiting students worked together on group activities. For the visitors it was a chance to practise their English; for their buddies, a first conversation with students from China.
The school’s performing arts hall, with its tiered seating, was another highlight. It gave a sense of the facilities UK students take for granted.
English was never taught as a separate subject during the week. It was simply how the day worked: in lessons, at lunch, and in the conversations between buddies that carried on after the bell.
Outside school hours, the group stayed together in managed accommodation, with Bridges staff and 24-hour local support throughout.
