As part of our annual exchange with Fettes College Guangzhou (FCG), 22 students from 2nd–4th Form spent an action-packed ten days over the Easter holidays visiting our sister school in China. It was a truly immersive and unforgettable experience!

From the outset, there were striking reminders of home—from the distinctive uniform worn with great pride to the gothic-inspired arches and shared commitment to the Fettesian values of Aim High, Give Back. Students made full use of the phenomenal facilities—from horse riding and an aviation simulator to skiing, VR, climbing and a 50m pool; while living in boarding houses with the same names as in Edinburgh created an immediate sense of connection and provided a perfect platform for building friendships.

Lessons offered an insight into innovative teaching, with robotics, AI and STEAM at the forefront, and a spirit of entrepreneurship was evident throughout. Reading and Easter games with the kindergarten and primary pupils were a particular highlight. Quickly forming bonds, our students showed real flair in working with younger children – so much so they were all invited back with offers of GAP year placements in the future!  Alongside cutting-edge facilities, it was equally inspiring to see the value placed on traditional Chinese culture, and our students joined enrichment classes in tea making, calligraphy and music.

A particular privilege was presenting on British values to the whole school, in the presence of distinguished guests from the Education Bureau and Acting Consul General who offered warm support for our partnership. Our students were outstanding ambassadors as each shared a cultural object from home and our pipers and drummers performed superbly to great applause! The Assembly culminated with a brilliant combined “Strip the Willow” —an uplifting and memorable celebration of cultural exchange which was greatly appreciated by the FCG community.

A weekend homestay with local families provided a rare and invaluable insight into daily life and the warmth, openness and generosity of our hosts made a lasting impression. From dumpling making to Kung Fu lessons, students enjoyed a rich variety of authentic experiences and an array of delicious new foods, while families took great pride in sharing their homes and culture.

Excursions added further energy and variety, including a theme park, Guangzhou Cultural Centre and racing go karts beneath a city-centre highway. The trip concluded with three dynamic days in Hong Kong, where students experienced everything from beautiful beaches and the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha to iconic skyscrapers and bustling street markets—bringing an exceptional ten-day adventure to a fitting close.