Principal Billie-Jean Bensen traveled to Beijing, China for a week starting Oct. 9 with Wootton HS Principal Dr. Michael Doran and Walter Johnson HS Principal Jennifer Baker to visit four schools and exchange information about differences between the U.S. and Chinese school systems.

The Chinese schools approached MCPS because they wanted to learn more about IB and AP courses, which are sparse in Chinese schools. Both Wootton HS and Walter Johnson HS have established sister schools in China, and Bensen was interested, so volunteered to come along.

“It was fascinating to see the differences, and so many of the things that were surprisingly similar,” Bensen said.

Bensen said that the students were very friendly and responsive, and that the schools had some intriguing educational policies. Their school days last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and students are generally much more focused on academics, she said. There are no school-sponsored competitive sports teams, and fewer sports are played in general. Because of the intensely focused environment of their schools, Chinese education has a big focus on incorporating movement into the school day.

“A bell rang one day, and the entire school went out into the soccer field, and they lined up in class rows a�� And all of a sudden this music started playing over the PA system and kids started doing exercises. It’s all about energizing the mind and taking a break a�� It was very interesting,” Bensen said.

She also noticed much more government involvement in education’specifically in the uniform requirement and the founding of specialized schools for students who show an early aptitude certain areas. For example, there is an art school where the government trains a group of students to be professional musicians.

In addition to delving into the Chinese education system, Bensen explored some of the eastern Chinese tourist attractions. She went to the Great Wall of China and visited downtown Beijing. “It was very similar to New York City. There were Starbucks all over the place,” she said.

Upon her return, Bensen set up a sister school with Middle School 125, and is planning to take 10 RHS students on a trip to visit the new sister school during spring break.