A TEACHER at a York primary school is giving up her summer holidays to train teachers in India.

Catherine Jordan, a Year 3 and 4 teacher at Wigginton Primary, is jetting off to Punjab on July 29 as a volunteer with an organisation called LRTT (Limited Resource Teacher Training).

During the four-week trip, Catherine and other members of the group she is going with will be delivering workshops to train teachers and spend time in classes coaching and supporting them.

Catherine, of Acomb, who is also a special educational needs co-ordinator at Wigginton Primary, is excited about the trip and helping teachers in India.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to working with the teachers in India and learning about their culture as well as supporting them to develop and improve their own practice as teachers to inspire and enthuse children as learners.

She added: "Having already met the group I'm going with they have all got different experiences. Just chatting with them you learn. Then applying what you know in another country and a different setting it will broaden my experience."

Catherine says she likes that the project is "for teachers delivered by teachers."

LRTT's vision is to ensure every child has a quality education. Catherine says in developing countries there are a number of factors that can hamper this - large class sizes, teacher shortages, poor attendance and little training for teachers. LRTT approaches this challenge by sending qualified teachers "to inspire and empower communities of teachers from around the world."

Catherine has had to raise £1,300 to pay for her trip.

A Bollywood disco was recently held at Wigginton Primary, which proved a big success and raised £700 for Catherine's trip.

She said: "The children enjoyed trying out some Bollywood dancing, tucking in to a delicious curry provided free of charge by The Parvin restaurant in Haxby, and trying their hand at pin the trunk on the elephant.

"The children at school have been really supportive.

"When I come back I hope to share with them school life in North India."

Catherine also had a curry and quiz night at The Parvin yesterday to raise more funds.