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Amazed by Africa !In early May of this year, three members of staff at Benton Park were given the opportunity to undertake a study visit to our international partner school, Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater , South Africa . It will come as no surprise that this opportunity was embraced by colleagues Sarah Taylor, Clare Soutar and Charlotte Dunne as a ‘trip of a lifetime!”
Following in the footsteps of two highly successful visits, made previously by Richard and Linda Hoban, a visit was devised to further the relationship between our schools. A need to share teaching and learning practices with our international colleagues was identified and the aims of the visit were established. Benton Park and Meetsetshehela School recognise the powerful impact that sharing successful teaching and learning strategies can have on the attainment of all students and the trip was endorsed by both Principals Mrs Anne Clarke and Mr Barend Pretorius. Taking the focus of using our Technology College Status to its full, the teaching methods employed on the visit were to be as interactive and technology based as possible in a school with limited access to technology resources. As such, Benton Park was happy to add to our substantial donations to the Meetsetshehela in the form of a computer projector and support resources. On landing in Johannesburg , South Africa , our teachers were given a warm, friendly welcome which set the tone for the entire length of their stay. Meetsetshehela and the people of Vaalwater enveloped our teachers into their lives, homes and school and ensured their visit was “unforgettable.” Undertaking a full timetable of teaching, Charlotte , Sarah and Clare led sessions in numeracy, literacy and food/design technology.
They were also treated to many of the highlights Africa has to offer such as traditional cultural dance, an African bush safari and eating traditional Sutu food.
For all three teachers the visit reaffirmed their enthusiasm for teaching and inspired their appreciation of the global relevance of successful learning. Their visit to the township Leseding and to the local Aids welfare organisation (Waterburg Welfare Society) taught them a humbling appreciation of the wider social barriers African children must overcome in their pursuit of a fundamental education.
Their experience has ensured the roots of our link are firmly growing and plans are already in place to welcome some South African visitors to Benton Park !
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Benton Park School |
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