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Rachel Quick is the headteacher at Freethorpe Primary School in East Norfolk. Earlier this year she went on an exchange visit to Shanghai in China.

The idea was to share teaching experiences, but Rachel hadn't expected the experience to be quite so overwhelming or indeed, so inspirational.

"I've probably had some of the most emotional days of my last 10 years," said Rachel.

"I've been teaching for 13 years and I'm here to set up links between my school, which is a tiny 170 pupil school in the middle of Norfolk and other schools in Shaghai," she added.

During Rachel's visit, she spent time working with a number of schools, including one with more than 1000 students - a world apart from her school in Freethorpe.

Teaching with a passion

"We went to a school with 1200 pupils, and that is huge," said Rachel.

"The teachers that we saw were some of the most gifted, passionate and talented teachers I've seen in such a long time. They loved their subject, loved their teaching and the children loved being in their lessons.

"What affected me most was how the teachers could work on an emotional level with the children - from simple poetry to some of the most stunning dance I've seen in a long time.

"I think we've realised we've seen some of best teaching and the most talented pupils and these children - I struggle with words on how it was.

"I was in tears, I couldn't keep control at all, I found it so moving, so beautiful. It was truly amazing.

"It's a real eye opener to what, perhaps, I can achieve in the school I work in," she added.