Shared Roots, Shared Learning: Establishing Sister School Partnership with Nanwu

Date: 16/05/2026

This year, our school formally established a sister-school partnership with Guangzhou Nanwu Experimental School (Nanwu). From 15 to 16 May 2026, we conducted a visit to Nanwu as part of a meaningful educational exchange between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Affiliated with the Nanwu Education Group and founded by the century-old Nanwu High School, the institution is committed to delivering high-quality education while promoting students’ holistic development in moral, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic domains. Its educational philosophy closely aligns with that of our school.

 

During the visit, Principal Chau, our teachers and students were warmly received by Nanwu Experimental School. The thoughtfully designed programme offered a rich and diverse learning experience, enabling participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of campus life in mainland China.

 

Following a guided campus tour, students took part in a distinctive art lesson. Under the guidance of experienced teachers, they engaged in creative design activities that encouraged imagination, hands-on practice, and aesthetic appreciation. The lesson provided valuable insight into teaching approaches in mainland classrooms, where experiential learning is strongly emphasised. The collaborative atmosphere facilitated meaningful interaction between students from both schools, fostering mutual inspiration and highlighting the significance of artistic exchange.

 

Students also participated in a traditional Chinese herbal sachet-making workshop. This culturally enriched activity introduced them to the properties and uses of various Chinese medicinal herbs, while allowing them to create their own sachets. Through this experiential learning process, students deepened their appreciation of traditional Chinese culture and gained a better understanding of how such wisdom continues to be relevant in modern life.

 

A key highlight of the visit was the sister-school agreement ceremony. During the ceremony, the principals of both schools introduced their respective educational philosophies and school features, and articulated their shared vision for future collaboration. They expressed strong confidence in the long-term partnership and its potential to strengthen educational exchange and foster students’ holistic development. Student representatives from both schools also shared insights into their school life and learning experiences. Their confident and engaging contributions set a warm and memorable tone for the partnership.

 

In addition to the academic and cultural activities, a lively basketball friendly match was arranged. The game was played in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with students from both schools demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination. Enthusiastic support from spectators further elevated the occasion, making it not only a sporting exchange but also an important opportunity to strengthen friendships and cultivate a sense of camaraderie.

 

En route to Guangzhou, we also visited the Shenzhen Library (North Branch). A particularly notable feature was the “Future Post Office” initiative, which encouraged students to write letters to their future selves ten years ahead. This innovative activity prompted students to reflect on their aspirations, set personal goals, and develop a sense of responsibility for their future. In addition, the library’s automated storage system and contemporary architectural design illustrated how technology can be effectively integrated into modern learning environments, broadening students’ perspectives on the evolution of reading spaces.

 

The second day of the programme was equally enriching. In the morning, teachers and students visited the Xifang Dayuan Cultural and Creative Park, where they gained a deeper understanding of cultural preservation and revitalisation practices in mainland China. The park, revitalised from historic buildings, seamlessly integrates heritage with modern creative industries, offering students first-hand exposure to how tradition and innovation coexist. The visit also encouraged critical reflection on the different approaches to heritage conservation in Hong Kong and the mainland.

 

During the visit, students participated in a lion dance workshop, which was a major highlight of the day. Under the professional guidance of a recognised inheritor of Guangzhou’s intangible cultural heritage, students learned the fundamental movements, rhythms, and cultural symbolism of lion dance. Accompanied by the dynamic beats of traditional drums, students had the opportunity to handle the lion head, while some also took on the role of the playful “Big Head Buddha,” leading the performance and enhancing the festive atmosphere. Through coordinated practice and teamwork, students came to appreciate that lion dance is not only a performance art but also a cultural tradition that embodies cooperation, discipline, and shared cultural identity.

 

In addition, the park featured a variety of exhibitions and creative spaces, allowing students to explore the evolution and distinctive characteristics of Lingnan culture from multiple perspectives. Overall, the second day’s programme further strengthened students’ understanding of traditional Chinese culture. Through a combination of observation, experiential learning, and reflection, students were able to appreciate the vitality of cultural heritage, enhance their cultural literacy, and develop a stronger sense of national identity—bringing the exchange programme to a meaningful and fulfilling conclusion.

 

Further Reading: Sister School Exchange Sharing (Nanwu Experimental School)