SEVEN senior Chinese teachers visited a Maldon school.

Wentworth Primary School welcomed the teaching staff from leading Chinese independent schools on Wednesday and Thursday last week.

Children from all classes bid the teachers welcome during their two day visit, where they observed all aspects of the school day.

Activities ranged from welcoming the pupils arriving at the school gate, foundation stage’s free-flow learning, “How to make a jam sandwich” instructions in Year 1, Phonics in Year 2, Guided Reading in Year 3, Similes in Year 4, Swimming and PE in Year 5 and Long multiplication, subordinating conjunctions and Coding in Computing in Year 6.

Headteacher Dawn Dack, Chair of Governors, Geoff Skewes, and the Senior Leadership Team were quizzed about teacher recruitment, budgets, the role of governors, complaint procedures, curriculum planning, SATs exams, and the role of teaching assistants, who are very rare in China.

A spokesman for the school said: “The Chinese school leaders were very impressed by all the teachers and pupils at the school. They particularly praised pupil behaviour and focus during lessons.

“They were amazed that 420 pupils could respond to a simple raise of the hand to signal the end of lunchtime and get ready for the next lesson immediately.

“They reported that their students do not have a playtime, instead they would eat lunch then they would go to a classroom to do homework.

MFL Subject Leader Marion Jones said: “As a school that teaches Mandarin, it is important for us to maintain international relationships, the children value meeting native speakers and love to share their developing Mandarin skills.

“Sharing good practice helps us all to improve.”