Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | Visit from Wycombe Abbey UK
From 21 to 22 May, WASCZ had the honour of hosting three representatives from our sister school, Wycombe Abbey UK: the Deputy Head of Pastoral, Mrs Vicky Fawkes, the Deputy Head, Director of Strategy and Operations, Mr Nick Woods, and the Deputy Head of Upper School, Mrs Margot Wood. During this two-day immersive visit, the delegation observed classes, toured the boarding houses and wider campus, and held rich, open conversations with school leadership, faculty, and students to gain an in-depth understanding of WASCZ’s educational practices, pastoral care and campus life.
Wycombe Abbey in the UK, established in 1896, stands as one of the most esteemed private boarding schools in the country, consistently ranking among the top academically, with over a third of its students securing offers from Oxford and Cambridge annually.
As the first official sister school of Wycombe Abbey UK in China, WASCZ shares a common educational ethos rooted in holistic development, academic excellence, and character education. Mrs Wood expressed her deep admiration, saying, “The school environment and facilities here are incredibly impressive, but what struck me most was the sense of mutual respect and trust between students and teachers. It’s a testament to the high standards and commitment to excellence at WASCZ.”
This visit reflects the tradition of close cooperation within the Wycombe Abbey global family. It is also a testament to the deep mutual trust and shared vision between the two schools.
The three visiting representatives were warmly welcomed by the Chinese Principal and Executive Headmaster. They engaged in high-level discussions with school leaders, department heads, university guidance counsellors, housemasters, and housemistresses, covering a wide range of topics, including academic development, student well-being, curriculum diversity, university planning, and exciting future collaborative projects.
The delegation also visited classrooms in the kindergarten, lower and upper schools, observing lessons in mathematics, physics, English, and global perspectives. They were deeply impressed by students’ articulate expression, critical thinking, and the dynamic, student-centred approach of the teachers.
“In class, I saw students learning from each other, sharing their ideas, and teachers supporting them in ways that really help them grow. It was genuinely heartening to witness,” shared Nick Woods, echoing the positive feedback from the entire delegation.
“We saw tangible signs of students growing and thriving here, particularly in their command of English,” added Margot Wood. Reflecting on her visit to the kindergarten, she said, “Watching the younger pupils interacting with older students, and seeing how the older ones supported and cared for them, was incredibly touching.”
As part of her pastoral focus, Mrs Fawkes visited the school’s boarding houses, met with the headmaster and headmistress of the boys’ and girls’ houses, and learned about WASCZ’s tutor and house systems. She was particularly interested in how the school supports students’ emotional wellbeing, independence, and sense of belonging in the boarding context.
“I was moved by the dedication of the staff and how passionately they spoke about their students,” said Mrs Fawkes. She expressed strong admiration for the way WASCZ cultivates a safe, supportive and community-driven boarding culture.
The delegation also toured the school’s rowing centre, where Mr Woods reunited with C. Poulton, one of the international scholars preparing for race training. C. Poulton and teammate M. Slotema previously represented WASCZ at the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK and have since received offers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, respectively.
“The time they spent at WASCZ has clearly been one of the most formative stages of their lives. Seeing them immersed, resilient, and thriving is truly inspiring,” said Mr Woods.
The school’s rich co-curricular programme in sports, music, drama and visual arts, which includes regular inter-school competitions and performances, also left a strong impression. “At WASCZ, students have just as many opportunities outside the classroom as they do within it. That kind of balance and breadth is what sets a great school apart,” said Mr Woods, adding that he looks forward to exploring future collaboration in areas such as the school’s annual cultural festival.
This visit has deepened mutual understanding and laid the groundwork for future cooperation in areas including student exchanges, teacher training, and collaborative curriculum development. Mr Woods, who will oversee international partnerships, shared: “We hope to help more students in the UK and China connect with one another, while building opportunities for greater collaboration between our staff and academic programmes.”
This cross-cultural exchange reaffirmed the Wycombe Abbey global network’s commitment to a shared mission: to provide transformative education that transcends borders and empowers students to shine on the world stage.
WASCZ will continue working hand in hand with our sister school in the UK, furthering our shared legacy of holistic education and nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready global citizens.
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