Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus (QAHS) recently participated in an education delegation to China, joining school leaders from across the Gold Coast to exchange ideas, explore educational practices and strengthen relationships with Chinese schools.
Organised by Experience Gold Coast, the Gold Coast School Executives Program took place in October, with the delegation visiting ten schools across Jinan, Hangzhou and Chengdu. QAHS was represented by Mr Dion Obst, Head of Department Global Connect, alongside school leaders from Helensvale State High School, Merrimac State High School, Nerang State High School and Coomera Anglican College.
The visits provided firsthand insights into China's education system, from established schools with strong academic traditions to newer campuses embracing artificial intelligence, robotics and innovative teaching approaches. Among these were Hangzhou Jialvyuan Middle School, known for its interdisciplinary learning programs, and Hangzhou Greentown Yuhua Qinqin School, an IB World School combining Chinese cultural traditions with international education.
A particular highlight was meeting students who confidently shared their learning and projects, alongside teachers and school leaders who were generous with their time and keen to exchange ideas. Beyond the schools, visits to Alibaba's headquarters and the Hangzhou Robotics School offered further insights into China's rapidly developing technology sector.
The delegation also showcased the Gold Coast as an education destination, with Chinese educators expressing strong interest in QAHS and its location within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, alongside the region's universities and education providers. It also provided an opportunity to share the wonderful work and strength of the language program at QAHS, with over 150 students studying Mandarin and one of few State High Schools on the Gold Coast to offer Mandarin as a language option.
One of the most meaningful moments was presenting handwritten cards from QAHS students to school leadership teams in China. Year 11 students Lorraine Wong, Michelle Zhang and David Bi generously created personalised messages in Mandarin and English, complete with their own artwork. The cards were warmly received and provided a lovely personal connection between our school communities. In fact, one of the schools we visited was Michelle's former school, making it a particularly special moment to acknowledge her journey and the educational connections between China and Australia. Thank you to Mandarin teacher Mrs Joanne Cheng for supporting the students in creating these cards during their classes.
The visit concluded in Chengdu, the Gold Coast's Sister City since 2019, where the delegation experienced the city's culture and history, including a memorable visit to see the giant pandas.
As an IB World School with a strong commitment to international-mindedness, QAHS values experiences that broaden our understanding of education and culture beyond Australia. The delegation has established new relationships and opened conversations about future collaboration between schools.
Sincere thanks to Experience Gold Coast, particularly Matt Boyd and Benson Yuan, the Chengdu Education Bureau, and the many Chinese schools, educators and students who welcomed the delegation so warmly.
Dion Obst
Head of Department Global Connect