Benenden Students' Journey at BBSG

As the Student Exchange Programme between BBSG and Benenden School enters its second year, five Benenden students recently embarked on their 2-week journey at BBSG. They summarised their experience in three words: different, fun, memorable.

From classrooms to the boarding house, from the robotics lab to the basketball courts, the five students found that, despite the 6,000-mile distance, both schools share a remarkable synergy in the implementation of A Complete Education, each with its own unique approaches.

The Familiar Ground in a New Environment

"Everyone here was so friendly and welcoming - it reminds me of the sense of community at Benenden," shared one Benenden student. The warm BBSG community helped them quickly adjust to new routines and daily timetable. Meeting BBSG students who had previously visited Benenden in January created an immediate connection:

Click to watch students of the two Benenden schools discuss their exchange experiences

The Benenden students witnessed A Complete Education in action at BBSG through their peers' diverse daily activities. They joined the Student Council organising cultural events, took part in Enrichment Programmes, and cheered for the BBSG Bears basketball team - experiences that resonated with their own school life at Benenden in the UK.

Discussion with BBSG Student Council

Enjoying the sports facilities at BBSG

In BBSG classes, they also found familiar ground in subjects like maths and physics, noting interesting differences and similarities in teaching styles. Despite these variations, teachers from both schools shared the same goal: fostering intellectual curiosity and scientific thinking.

Participation in Secondary Physics and Primary Chinese Enquiry classes

Fresh Experiences of

A Complete Education

"If I could take one thing back to the UK, I'd choose the whole campus!" joked one Benenden student. They were impressed by BBSG's Innovation Centre and the robotics facilities. While the modern campus contrasted with Benenden's historic architecture, students from both schools maintained equal pride in their respective environments. 

Activity with BBSG VEX Robotics team

The ongoing exchange programme allows students to benefit from both schools' distinctive facilities and learning spaces, offering a more comprehensive educational experience.

Getting to know our exclusive Enrichment Programme at Innovation Centre: Jewellery Design

A special highlight was their visit to the newly opened Benenden Kindergarten Guangzhou, where they helped out in teaching the cutest group in the Benenden community - a unique addition to their exchange.

As experienced boarders, the girls observed BBSG's more structured evening study arrangements and mix-age boarding system, which actively encouraged cross-grade interactions. Here, language barriers became learning opportunities as Benenden students practised their Mandarin while BBSG students honed their English skills, sharing their school life across cultures.

More Than Just an Exchange

Reflecting on their initial nerves about international travel, one Benenden student said, "Those worries seem completely unnecessary now."

The real value of the programme lies in experiencing education from a different cultural perspective, broadening horizons and opening new possibilities. 

What's next for this unique Student Exchange Programme? Mr. Matt Commander, Director of International and Strategic Projects, and Dr. Lisa McNally, Academic and International Courses Coordinator, share exciting future plans in an interview.

As these five Benenden students return home, BBSG students are preparing for their own adventure - a winter journey to Benenden in January 2026, continuing this meaningful bond between Kent and the Greater Bay Area.