Reepham Primary School has strengthened links with its twin school in Japan, after Head Caroline Henry and teacher Amy Whitby were invited on a special visit. Here, Caroline explains more
A Norfolk primary school has strengthened its 18 year-long connection with a school in Japan with a very special visit. Reepham Primary School is linked with Sakado Azuma Kindergarten, which is in Sakado, around 25 miles from Tokyo. As part of the longstanding relationship between the two schools, Reepham Primary School Head Caroline Henry and teacher Amy Whitby were invited to visit and spend time in the twin school, thanks to the generosity of the Kindergarten.
During the stay, both teachers were able to attend the graduation ceremony of pupils who were moving on, with Caroline giving a speech to celebrate the partnership between the two schools. And Amy had the opportunity to teach Phonics to over 100 pupils and lead several parent workshops.
Both teachers kept their pupils back home up to date with daily life in the Japanese school, with pictures and updates shared with Reepham pupils and families.
It is the latest in a long line of engagement activities between Reepham Primary School and Sakado Azuma Kindergarten through a partnership that is designed to give children in both countries unique and powerful insight into each other’s cultures.
Each year, Reepham’s pupils mark Japan week with a host of activities in honour of their twin school, and visitors from the Kindergarten have spent time in the Norfolk school, meeting with children who have been proud to showcase the Japanese iterations of their names.
Reepham Primary School will once again be welcoming Kindergarten teacher Shizuka, after Easter to work with pupils, and Japan week will be marked later in April.
Caroline Henry, Head of Reepham Primary School, said: “It is vital to us that our children have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, and our link with Japan is fundamental to this. Our children love finding out about our twin school, and experiencing Japanese culture, and we embed this learning within our curriculum.
“Both Amy and I were honoured to spend time experiencing Japanese education, thanks entirely to the generosity of the Kindergarden, and we will take what we have learnt and share it directly with our children as part of their learning.
“This link is so important to us and continues to shine the light on the power of collaboration and how we can inspire, challenge and succeed together.”
In addition, Reepham Primary School is also linked with a school in Malawi, and celebrates Malawi week each year, which provides an opportunity for the Norfolk children to find out about African culture and traditions.
Featured images – supplied
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