On Sunday, 2 July 2023, The University of Manchester China Centre hosted a remarkable roundtable discussion on "Integrated Education in China: Insight & Action" in Beijing. The event brought together guest speakers including Ms Sherry Fu, Founding Director of UoM China Centre, and current students from UoM MA Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) course: Ms. Lucy Di, Director of Teaching & Research at Beijing Shuren Private School, Mr. Eamonn Williams, Head of Mathematics, and Ms. Sophia Shen, ELA Teacher & KS3 Coordinator at Wellington College International Tianjin.

The roundtable discussion focused on the cutting-edge topics of integrated education in the Chinese educational landscape, and attracted professionals from multiple international schools and education groups.

Guest speakers (from left): Lucy Di, Sophia Shen, Eamonn Williams, Sherry Fu

Di shared her expertise in promoting integrated education within the International High School Programme, which follows the OSSD curriculum. She explained the benefits of interdisciplinary projects, showing how they enhance students' critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and overall engagement in shaping their own future.

Williams provided insights into building a dynamic team. He emphasized that ideal team members, especially those in managerial roles, should be proactive, self-motivated, adaptable to challenges, and possess exceptional communication skills.

Shen further ellaborated her experience in communicating with different stakeholders as a coordinator. She concluded the significance of understanding different perspectives, thinking in their way and finding common values among various parties.

In addition to the industrial insights, the speakers also shared their takeaways from the ELiP course. By introducing different models of leaderships and best practice in daily operations, the course not only enlightens students on what kind of leaders they should be but also guides them to build intellectual and practical confidence in all interactions, with teachers, parents, students, managers, board members and policymakers.

This roundtable also represents a significant step for the UoM China Educator Club's series of initiatives. Fu highlighted that the University of Manchester has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative online and blended learning models. These models have now evolved into a comprehensive and robust fully digitalized online learning system, benefiting students worldwide. The ELiP course, specifically tailored for working educators, has been met with great enthusiasm in China since its introduction in 2021. It is truly gratifying to witness an increasing number of education professionals in the region gaining firsthand experience of authentic British education when they are still actively pursuing their personal career development. Also, with the unwavering support of the UoM China Centre and through close collaboration with industry peers, students are able to seamlessly integrate global perspectives with local practices, creating a harmonious blend of knowledge and expertise.