We then made our way to Jingshan Park, taking in the stunning views over the Forbidden City 🏯🌿 A well earned lunch stop followed before continuing our adventures 🍜🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

The afternoon was spent in the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Heaven, taking part in a Tai Chi class 🌿✨ As the sun set, we learned about the temple’s fascinating history & cultural significance 🏯🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

We rounded off the day with a delicious Peking duck dinner 🦆 & an evening at Laoshe Tea House enjoying a traditional variety show 🎭🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Our third day was an unforgettable one… spending it at the Great Wall of China 🧱☀️ Breathtaking views, plenty of steps, & an incredible experience climbing one of the world’s most iconic landmarks ✨🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Rounding off this memorable day with the traditional dish - hotpot 🍲✨ A perfect final evening in Beijing before our last morning in this city 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Our final morning in Beijing was spent at Aidi School… pupils were paired up for a guided tour, explored the history behind Chinese characters in a language lesson, & exchanged gifts - feeling grateful for this cultural exchange ✨🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

The afternoon was spent on the high-speed bullet train to Xi’an 🚄✨ After a local dinner on arrival, it was straight to bed - ready to explore everything Xi’an had to offer! 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Day 5 got underway with a visit to the Terracotta Army 🏺✨ A fascinating insight into ancient history & one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

After lunch, the competitors’ hats were on as two teams went head to head creating their own warrior at a DIY workshop 🏺⚒️ It was too close for us to call, so the owner had to decide the winner! 👀 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Our final morning in Xi’an… a bike ride around the City Wall 🚴‍♂️ followed by learning the art of Chinese calligraphy 🖋️ After lunch, we caught the train to our last city - Shanghai 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Starting day 6 in Fu Xing Park with the locals… diabolo, dancing, & plenty of smiles 💃🪀 before exploring Tianzifang & a bit of shopping! 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

After lunch we visited Yu Yuan Gardens 🌿 followed by the City God Temple ⛩️ with a little time for shopping at Yu Yuan Bazaar to finish the afternoon 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

A quick tea before heading to the Huangpu River for a night cruise 🚢 … the perfect way to round off our first day in Shanghai, watching the skyline sparkle across the water ✨🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Day 7 began with a trip up the Shanghai Tower 🏙️ …reaching the 118th floor in under a minute at 18.0 m/s to take in the stunning views! Then a quick stop at People’s Square for a photo in front of the Swire building 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

We spent the afternoon with a walk along The Bund 🌆 taking in the impressive skyline in daylight this time, before heading up Nanjing Road for some last-minute shopping; with students grabbing lunch along the way 🥢🛍️🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Our final meal together in China 🥢 before heading to the train station to start our 24-hour journey home ✈️ 🇨🇳 MFL at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

We’ve arrived safely back home ✈️🇬🇧 An unforgettable week full of memories, experiences, & friendships… we will be forever grateful for this amazing opportunity 🇨🇳

Well done to our Year 12 pupils who took part in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge! Congratulations to Bronze, Silver & Gold certificate winners & a special mention to the 3 pupils through to the Senior Kangaroo! 🥉🥈🥇 Sixth Form at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsMathematics #StCuthbertsCommitment

Thank you to all those who attended our Supporting your Son in Literacy & Numeracy event last week! ⏰🧩 English at St Cuthbert's High School Library at St Cuthbert's High School Year 7 at St Cuthbert's High School #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen

Don't forgot "Sparx Drop In" after school tomorrow to ensure your homework is complete for this week’s deadline! 🖥️💯 #StCuthbertsMathematics #StCuthbertsCommitment #StCuthbertsFormingGreatMen