Out of Africa, into the class

2:48pm Tuesday 15th July 2008

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A GROUP of teachers from west Africa has visited two primary schools in York to share ideas about education.

The trip follows teachers from Westfield and St Mary’s CE primary schools visiting their counterparts in Begoro, Ghana, in February.

Staff exchanged pupils’ work, set up new educational projects to complete in their schools and worked with children in the exchange schools.

During the visit, a tree-planting ceremony was held to raise awareness of the importance of off-setting the carbon footprints left by the teachers visiting each other’s countries.

Mark Barnett, head teacher of Westfield Primary Community School said: “Different lifestyles and cultures really come to life when children have the opportunity to question, learn alongside and entertain colleagues from our partner schools.”

The three-year project is being funded through a Curriculum Development Grant from the Department For International Development and the British Council.

Meanwhile, Westfield Primary has awarded children who have been particularly energetic in representing the school in either sports or the performing arts.

This year, more than 200 awards were presented for rugby, football, climbing, singing and playing musical instruments.

The emphasis of the event is put on the Year 6 children, who will be leaving primary school this month, with some children from other year groups receiving awards for their team contribution.

“It is always a delight to see so many children receiving awards and acknowledging their valued contribution to school and competitive events.

“The children’s parents have every right to feel proud,” said Mr Barnett.