Stepney All Saints Becomes the First British School to Send Students to Taiwan with Turing Scheme Funding
On January 26, Taipei Representative Office in the U.K. warmly welcomed 24 students and teachers from Stepney All Saints School for a pre-departure orientation ahead of the group’s imminent study-adventure to Taiwan. This is the first British secondary school to send a group of students to Taiwan with Turing Scheme funding support. Stepney All Saints School, founded in 1710, is a secondary school in East London with an above-average ethnically diverse population of about 1500 students. The students’ English and Mathematics performances stand out among those of the schools in the district.
The Education Division in the UK worked with Stepney All Saints to prepare a tailored itinerary and arrange educational visits in Taiwan. The group of students, who were preparing to depart in February, will enhance their knowledge of semiconductors by visiting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading producer, and the Semiconductor Talent Cultivation Base at Minghsin University of Science and Technology. They will also take part in STEM and ocean preservation learning activities at high schools in Taiwan, engage in cultural exchanges, and visit tourist attractions.
Vincent Yao, Taiwan’s Representative in the UK who assumed his post early in January, welcomed the visiting students Stepney All Saints students and teachers. He congratulated everyone involved in securing the Turing funding for this trip and praised them for their joint efforts organising such a comprehensive itinerary. He pointed out that despite being a small island, Taiwan’s GDP ranks 21st in the world. This makes its economic development a valuable example for emerging economies, and Taiwan plays a fundamental role in shaping industries on a global scale.
Andy Cheu-An Bi, Director of the Education Division, then spoke about the longstanding collaborations between higher education providers in Taiwan and those in the UK. He mentioned that only last year, the Education Division arranged a short-term Mandarin studies programme in Taiwan for University of Bristol students. This was the first group of higher education students to receive funding support from both the Turing Scheme and Taiwan's Ministry of Education.
Lewis Smith, Deputy Headteacher of Stepney All Saints School, stressed that for most of the students, the trip to Taiwan would be their first overseas experience. Apart from promising a wonderful opportunity to gain insights into semiconductor manufacturing and environmental preservation, this journey will also foster cultural awareness and leave unforgettable memories.
The Education Division provided students with tourist tips about Taiwan and also information about Taiwan scholarships for those who might consider further studies there after they obtain their A levels. The visit concluded with the students happily competing in a small Taiwan-related quiz to win a Taiwan-themed gift.