Working with Beijing Municipal UNESCO Clubs Association, the first iNet specialism subjects teaching workshops in maths and ICT were held in September 2006, hosted by Beijing 57 Middle School and Beijing Ritan High School. Over 95 participants from more than 30 Beijing schools attended the events.

Guest lecturers Mr Martyn Rice, Head of Mathematics at Coventry Blue Coat School and Mr Indy Singh, ICT teacher at Kingshurst City Technology College, gave an overview of the British education system. They also delivered presentations on teaching practices, initiatives and advanced teaching methodologies. A live video link between China and the UK organised by Indy and his colleagues also gave an opportunity for the ICT workshop participants to experience a real British class.

'Thanks for offering us such a great opportunity to explore and study British teaching methodology.'Delegate at the first iNet China workshop in Beijing

As well as the core topics of curriculum, assessment methodology and pedagogy, discussion also covered subject teaching development in China. In particular, the Chinese teachers were keen to hear the presenters' views on evaluation methods, workload and knowledge delivery. Participants also expressed their appreciation for the web resources that have been shared.

During their visit to China, Martyn and Indy also delivered a model maths and ICT lesson at two Beijing UNESCO pilot schools, Beijing Huijia Private School and Beijing No. 12 Secondary School. The feedback was very positive and the students at Huijia School were very impressed by the guidance and inspiration the lesson gave them. A summary is a available on the Huijia school news board at http://www.huijia2000.com/show.php?newsid=6893, where you can discover how 'the power of algebra' amazed Chinese students.

Evaluation forms collected were very positive and suggestions for future events included more interactive sessions, case studies and a focus on innovative classroom practices, reference materials and more information on the UK education system.

We look forward to working with these suggestions and building on the success of these events.