When it comes to foreign exchange trips it’s usually the children who are hopping across the Channel to learn more about other languages and cultures.
But in Wigan we like to do things a bit differently…
And now an exchange scheme with the borough’s twin town of Angers is putting a new slant on the school trip because it’s the teachers’ turn to go on tour.
The first exchange took place recently between St Matthews’ Primary school in Highfield and La Madeleine primary school in Angers.
French teacher Annick Gendron came to Wigan for five days to learn more about the school system in England.
Annick said:
“It has been an enjoyable time. Everyone gave me a warm welcome and I know that this stay has been very beneficial.”
The scheme has been set up in order to develop the language skills of the teachers, following the successful placement of French students in Wigan’s primary schools last year.
Isabelle Grzybowski, coordinator from modern foreign languages in primary schools in Angers, contacted the Wigan Twinning office in order to set up a new exchange for teachers.
Mrs Grzybowski says:
“Successful exchange visits are a key part of the twinning links between Wigan and Angers. We are very excited to not only be able to share our culture but also our knowledge and passion for teaching.”
St Matthews’ Primary School has been the first to be involved in this teacher exchange. However further exchanges between primary school teachers should take place in May and July.
