Foreign pupils broaden learning
A group of Finnish students got the taste of UK school life when they paid us a visit last month.
Two teachers and 10 International Baccalaureate students from Jyvaskylan Lyseo Upper Secondary School, situated three hours north of Helsinki, visited us as part of an ongoing exchange programme.
During their week-long stay, they took part in IB and A-level lessons, which introduced them to a more diverse way of learning.
There was also time for them to visit a number of prominent attractions in the area, including the Welsh Mountain Zoo, Conwy Castle and Llandudno.
The highlight of the visit was a special traditional Welsh tea which was arranged by Mrs Williams.
Mr Price, said: “Our Finnish visitors certainly enjoyed the delicious sandwiches and homemade cakes on offer.
“During the week I worked closely with the teachers – Susanna and Elina – to ensure that the students had a great time and will take many happy memories back to Finland.
“As a result of the success of the exchange, the Humanities department is planning to organise an opportunity for some of our Sixth Form students to visit Jyvaskyla early next spring.”
We also had the pleasure of welcoming a partner school from France to continue work on a discrimination project.
Our pupils have been working in partnership with Lycee Professional Gustav Eiffel, situated in Aubagne in the South of France, and they spent two days at the school to finalise their findings.
Working in groups, they looked at discrimination in the media, workplace and what laws currently exist.
They also produced a bilingual charter of rights that they believe all should have.
Mr Farnell, said: “What was most impressive about their visit was the way pupils were breaking down the language barrier to get their opinions across.
“The charter will be used to help pupils in school understand better the sources and impact of discrimination, and we would like to thank everyone at the Lycee Professional Gustav Eiffel for their marvellous contribution.”
The visit followed our trip to France earlier this year, which attracted the attention of the local media, while a special bilingual YouTube video was also produced in relation to the project.
It was not all work and no play for the visitors, who also took in prominent attractions such as Bodnant Gardens, Caernarfon Castle and Chester.