Japanese Exchange students return!

5th May 2023

In April, we were thrilled to extend a warm WHS welcome to our Japanese partner school, Keio Yokohama Elementary school, on a cultural exchange, run jointly with King's College School.

A group of 16 students were accompanied by 4 Keio teachers to spend time with Year 7 host students at each school, for a jam-packed week of activities and experiences. This started off with a welcome picnic for all at WHS on Saturday. During the school week, students shadowed our students in lessons and went on excursions. Activities included a ‘History of Wimbledon High’ quiz, special lessons in Art, English, DT and Maths, as well as summer term sports such as cricket at Nursery Road. The Keio students spent an afternoon at the All England Club, a whole day out in London, taking a trip on the London Eye and going on a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, and they were lucky enough to see some Coronation band practice. Their Year 7 hosts also joined them for a trip to Hampton Court Palace and the week was topped off with a traditional afternoon tea with Head Fionnuala Kennedy. There was a farewell brunch at King's College School on the final Saturday and many tears as Keio students and staff departed for the airport - testament to Wimbledon families being fantastic hosts!

Our Exchange programme with Keio Yokohama school first took place in 2018 and is currently led by Jane Fawcett. It is a three-way initiative with King's College Senior School, with the objectives of appreciating different cultures, developing interpersonal communication skills, independence and resilience and adapting to a new environment. The WHS students who participated in the Japanese Exchange 2018 had this advice to future participants...

"Have fun and don't take anything for granted!"

"Don’t be too nervous because the Japanese are so kind and it is just an amazing experience to learn about their culture."

"...it was so much fun and I wish I could do it again!"

"...enjoy it while it lasts, because when it ends you will do anything to go back there."

This year’s WHS Exchange cohort will be heading to Japan in October 2023 and we look forward to hearing students' stories on their return.

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