A small rural high school is forging links with the economic powerhouse of China and intends to use the benefits of technology for a two-way learning partnership for students.

Nyngan High principal Daryl Finch believes the fledgling relationship between his school and Tongling Number 15 Middle School in China’s Anhui Province will have enormous benefits for his students.

“There is a real thirst for learning in the schools and that reinforces the desire to develop links with Nyngan High,” he said.

“With the advantages of technology available in our school, we will ensure that the benefits flow two ways.” The link with Tongling Number 15 Middle School was established because all the copper from Tritton Resources mine at Girilambone, north of Nyngan, goes to Tongling for processing.

Mr Finch said Tritton and the Bogan Shire Council provided “enormous support” to enable a group from the area to travel to China last term.

Nyngan High School students – Jordan L, Hayley L, Brenna A and Krystal T – travelled with Mr Finch, Nyngan High PDPHE teacher Cath Smith, and a delegation from Bogan Shire.

Mr Finch said the partnership with Tongling will broaden his students’ horizons and provide them with career possibilities as the trade relationship between Australia and China continues to grow.

“This has given them a glimpse of a world of opportunity,” he said.

“They will see that travel can be a goal in itself and something that can be gained as a bonus of securing a good career.” None of the students had been out of Australia before and some saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House for the first time as they flew out to China.

But despite travelling from a small town to a densely populated country, the students took the experience in their stride, even ranking being “mobbed to sign autographs” as a highlight of the trip.