China

Burnside College is fortunate to have established strong links with another school, situated close to start of the Great Wall, Number 19 School in Hebei Province, China. Number 19 School is situated in the same province where the Great Wall of China begins, which is often referred to as 'The Head of the Dragon'.

Initial links with School 19 were made in 2007 by Mrs Murphy (Head Teacher) and Mr Twohig (Curriculum Leader for Business and Enterprise). Both travelled to China and visited the school, staff and students.

In the summer term of 2009, Burnside College was pleased to welcome a number of visiting students from Number 19 School. The pupils from Number 19 School were very keen to learn about culture within North-Tyneside and what Hadrian’s Wall meant to students within the area. The students spent a number of days taking part in classroom learning activities and other extra curricular activities.

Burnside students were then invited to visit Number 19 School in China. Twenty-one students applied and were accepted for the trip which is set to depart on the 2nd April 2010. Burnside pupils are eager to get to Number 19 School in China and have an array of questions ready for the students they meet. Students have written their questions of interest onto specially designed bricks, which are to be used in the 'Wall to Wall' exhibition at Segedunum Museum. Ultimately, they are hoping to find out what impact the Great Wall has had on Chinese culture and heritage.