The link was forged when 13 students and three teachers travelled to the Chinese city this April.

It means Putney High School girls can now enjoy an annual exchange scheme with Jin Yuan Senior High School, a well-established co-educational school with a long history.
 
During the visit, Putney girls observed an English lesson, in which students were learning about body language. With 45 pupils in the class, the lesson began and ended with the teacher and students bowing to each other. Pupils stood up when answering questions. Putney students were surprised to be taken to lunch as early as 11am.

The school was one of three visited during the 10-day visit. At a primary school, girls watched an art lesson which began with pupils reciting a poem for painting. Music from Chinese opera was played as the pupils set to work with their brushes.

Other highlights of an outstanding trip included the 16th century Wang Shi Garden and a visit to the so-called ‘Water Town’ of Zhu Jia Jiao. A beautiful town retaining typically Chinese roofs and red lanterns, it offered the perfect contrast to the modern city of Shanghai. The girls had a chance to practise their haggling skills to buy silk robes and fans.

Headmistress Dr Denise Lodge, who accompanied the students on the visit, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to establish a new link with Jin Yuan Senior High School. The first girls to take part in the exchange programme will be able to travel to Shanghai during the next academic year. It will be a tremendous experience for them.”