PRIMARY and secondary school pupils got a taste of Chinese culture last week when their schools hosted nine headteachers from China.

The visit marked the second phase in a partnership between schools in north London and those in Shunde, in China's Guangdong province.

Pupils from Wilbury Primary School welcomed the delegation with a special breakfast and a greeting in Mandarin.

The visit was arranged by the North London Schools International Network (NLSIN), which last year took groups of Enfield headteachers to Shunde.

At St Anne's Catholic High School for Girls, pupils have been sending letters and emails to their Chinese counterparts. They celebrated National China Day by attempting to learn the Chinese national anthem.

St Anne's headteacher Cheryl Byamukama said: "It's about opening up the children's minds to the world and to the fact they are global citizens.

"It's part of their education to recognise the world out there has an impact on them.

"As a Catholic school, we celebrate the diversity of the world," she said. "If we look to other communities we are more likely to get rid of misconceptions and build community harmony."

Over the past year, Wilbury has held an afterschool club teaching Chinese culture and customs, including Mandarin, calligraphy and reading Chinese folk tales.

Wilbury has pupils from all over the world and headteacher Sandra Heaviside said educational partnerships are very important.

"Encouraging children to learn about how other children live helps with community cohesion," she said.

"The intention is to gain a global perspective and work with other schools on issues like recycling and sustainability."

The schools are now making plans for Chinese pupils to visit Britain and vice versa.