A group of 38 students from China recently completed a memorable two-day visit to a North Yorkshire school as part of a cultural exchange program.

The Chinese students stayed at Low Mill Outdoor Centre in Askrigg while exploring the Yorkshire Dales, and visiting Leyburn's Wensleydale School and Sixth Form.

On Monday, January 29, 18 Wensleydale School students joined the visiting delegation at Low Mill for a day of cross-cultural activities. Students from both schools rotated between outdoor adventure activities and Chinese-learning-related indoor work.

Darlington and Stockton Times: A delegation of Chinese students has been visiting Wensleydale School and Sixth Form in Leyburn

The following day, the Chinese students, who are aged between 11 and 14, toured Aysgarth Falls before spending a day immersed in British culture at Wensleydale School. Activities included a PE session and a walk into Leyburn for a fish and chip lunch.

“It was brilliant to make new friends from across the world and discover more about how they live,” said Millie Gilbey, a year ten student from Wensleydale School.

The visit was organised by Victoria McArthur, a teacher who worked in China for some time, having studied Mandarin at university. She also recently started a Chinese enrichment activity at Wensleydale School, teaching students the language and the culture.

She said: "This has been such an amazing experience for students on both sides, helping to broaden their horizons. And providing opportunities for our rural students to engage with different cultures like this is a vital part of learning about the world.”