MacArthur Signs 'Sister' Agreement With Beijing School

MacArthur Middle School has signed an agreement with a school in Beijing, China to set up exchange visits and encourage communication between students. 

MacArthur hosted a delegation of staff from the Beijing Yucai School this week, signing a five-year “Sister School” agreement. Beijung Yucai is a school of 4,000 students located in the Chinese capital.

“We feel like MacArthur is a gorgeous school, a very nice school and we are excited to be building bilateral communication,” Beijing Yucai Principal Liu Jizhong said.

Liu and others from the school visited with groups of students as they learned Mandarin.

“They were asking earlier how many people wanted to come to Beijing, and everyone raised their hands,” said Anna Ory, the middle years coordinator for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). “So we’re excited to continue that relationship. We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring students to experience the different culture.”

MacArthur offers five classes in Mandarin Chinese, and has encouraged students to learn foreign language as part of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

“It’s no secret that we live in an increasingly global world,” said Mary Austin, the IB Programme Coordinator for AACPS. “Language Is a huge first step towards understanding the culture because it allows you to interact more deeply should you go to visit.”

MacArthur Principal Stacy Gray said being exposed to Chinese language and culture will pay off for students as they look ahead to higher education and careers.

“It’s a foundation that they are going to use beyond these four walls,” she said. “It’s about building international-mindedness with our learners.”