Our Global Citizenship & International Relations Courses

Beijing & Nanjing

The Beijing & Nanjing programme uses China’s political capital and former historic capital as a combined living classroom to explore the relationship between governance, history and international relations in a modern global context.

Students examine how political institutions, historical events and national identity shape decision-making and global relationships in contemporary China. Through landmark visits, site-based learning, guided discussion and analytical study, students develop an understanding of how political systems operate in practice and how historical legacy continues to influence modern diplomacy and international perspectives.

By linking Beijing’s focus on governance and global influence with Nanjing’s emphasis on historical memory and international relations, students gain a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of China’s role in the modern world, including the impact of events such as the Nanjing Massacre on contemporary global discourse.

This programme supports Politics, History, Geography and Global Studies pathways, offering academically rigorous enrichment that encourages comparative analysis, critical thinking and informed perspectives on global citizenship.

Key themes include:

• Governance and political systems

• International relations and diplomacy

• Historical memory and national identity

• The impact of history on modern global relationships

• China’s role in global affairs

Shanghai

The Shanghai programme uses China’s leading global city as a living classroom to explore the relationship between globalisation, economic development and international influence in a modern global context.

Students examine how economic growth, international trade and urban development shape China’s role within the global community. Through urban exploration, guided discussion and analytical study, students develop an understanding of how global cities operate in practice and how Shanghai contributes to international connectivity and global relationships.

This programme supports Economics, Geography, Business and Global Studies pathways, offering academically rigorous enrichment that encourages comparative analysis and informed perspectives on China’s role in the modern world.

Key themes include:

• Globalisation and international connectivity

• Economic development and global trade

• Urbanisation and global cities

• China’s role in the global economy

Chengdu

The Chengdu programme uses one of China’s most culturally rich regional cities as a living classroom to explore the relationship between culture, sustainability and global responsibility in a modern global context.

Students examine how cultural values, environmental challenges and regional identity shape perspectives within China and contribute to wider global understanding. Through site-based learning, guided discussion and analytical study, students develop an understanding of how local communities engage with global issues and how sustainability and cultural heritage influence international perspectives.

This programme supports Geography, Environmental Science and Global Studies pathways, offering academically rigorous enrichment that encourages critical thinking, reflection and global awareness.

Key themes include:

• Cultural identity and regional perspectives

• Sustainability and environmental responsibility

• Community and everyday life

• Global citizenship and cultural understanding