On 3rd February 2026, twenty members of the Hampden Gurney orchestra took part in the “Encounter
China: Beauty and Harmony” Sino-British Youth Cultural Exchange Performance and closing ceremony.

Led by Headteacher Mrs Chua, our students joined more than 200 young people from Beijing and
Shenyang for an afternoon of shared music-making and cultural exchange. The event provided a valuable
opportunity for students to connect with peers from different backgrounds and develop greater global
understanding through the arts.

In her speech, Mrs Chua reflected on the importance of international experiences in education, noting that
when students engage with different perspectives, “their horizons broaden.” She emphasised that
understanding the world goes beyond learning facts, encouraging young people to think deeply, act
responsibly and lead with empathy.

We are proud of our orchestra students for representing Hampden Gurney with confidence and
enthusiasm at this meaningful international event.