Day 8: Written at 7.15pm local time

Today, it rained...all day!

After eating breakfast at 6.30am, we were shown to an area where all the students from the school assembled for the 'Flag Raising Ceremony'. Initially the Vice Principal spoke, followed by a student who informed the entire school of our stay in both Chinese and English.

A Rainford student was invited to speak to the entire school. During the speech he thanked everyone for their friendliness and warm welcome, mentioned the fantastic facilities they have at the school, commented on how wonderful the home stay was and how we were looking forward to their return in July 2009.

Following the speeches, the flag was raised. Everyone turned to the flagpole, standing in silence whilst the flag was raised. Everyone was then dismissed and went straight to lessons.

Lessons start at 7.45am and last for one hour. Senior classes have 40 students in them. Students remain in their classrooms all day and it is the teacher who moves rooms. Each room has two chalk boards, a data projector with a screen, the teacher's desk has a computer and there is CCTV in each room. When a student wishes to speak he/she must raise their hand and are invited by the teacher to stand to answer a question. If their answer is correct the other students clap. The atmosphere in the classes was very nice and both students and teachers support each other in their learning.

After observing two lessons we then left the school with our partners and headed off to the Chinglong Amusement Park. Here they have the tallest roller coaster in the world. We spent three hours here before heading to the Bejing Road for some final shopping.

Tonight, students and staff from Rainford are meeting at 8pm for an 'Award Ceremony' to celebrate each person's contribution to the exchange and have some fun. It is also a student's birthday tomorrow so we are celebrating that early with a surprise birthday cake (which is very to difficult to find in China!)