Pupils forge links with Europe

By lthorpe

A trip to Germany was the latest adventure for pupils at St Aldhelm's Primary School in Doulting.

The trip was aimed at fostering closer European links with the school.

Thirteen Year 6 pupils and four staff have just returned from an action-packed and culturally enriching five-day visit to the school's German partner school in Wittenberge.

Marking the culmination of a two-year long Comenius project, involving four schools from Britain, Spain and Germany, the residential trip was designed to allow pupils to experience at first-hand how their German partners lead healthy lives, both in and outside of the school day. Pupils from St Aldhelm's attended lessons at the Friedrich-Ludwig- Jahn Primary school with their German partner, took part in playtime and after-school club activities, and stayed together at a local youth centre, where they were able to play games and go swimming. The itinerary included a guided walk through the town centre to the River Elbe, a chance to put German learned at school into practice by asking for items at the local shops, and a trip to a nearby zoo.

Tess Kaunhoven, the visit leader and school international co-ordinator, said: "This is what education is about – providing children with challenging opportunities that help them grow in personal confidence, and which give them memorable life experiences.

"Watching the children learn to overcome barriers was just great – the children soon found ways of communicating beyond using spoken language, and they realised how much they had in common, especially through the games they play. Every child has come away from this trip with a positive perception of our German partners. The children formed good friendships and are keen to maintain contact. I can't thank the other staff enough – Ms Bishop, Mrs Barnett, and Mr Sluman – for helping to make this happen."

The German partners are now planning to visit St Aldhelm's School in 2010.