International Partnerships

At Stockbridge Village Primary School we believe it is important to share and experience other cultures from around the world. Stockbridge Village Primary School and Sedibeng Primary School have established a partnership, which will enhance the education and cultural awareness of students from both schools. This link allows the children to share and experience cultures, and we are excited to see where this partnership will lead in the future.

Our Assistant Headteacher, Alex Borrill, visited Sedibeng Primary school to establish the partnership which was enabled by Connecting Classrooms. During her time at the school, she met with staff and students and discussed the different ways our partnership could benefit both schools. She set up video calls, in which the students of both schools shared their culture by exchanging songs and dances, and gave us a virtual tour of Sedibeng Primary School so students could see the differences and similarities.

Over the years, the students have completed letter exchanges sharing to the two cultures. Students work with Sedibeng Primary school throughout their educational journey on different projects. We share letters during Black History Month and for Nelson Mandela Day to exchange information and raise awareness about different issues surrounding inequality around the world.

At Stockbridge Village Primary School, we have another partner school in Spain called Sta. Maria de la capilla HH Maristas. Our MFL teacher, Mr Cubero, established this partnership with links he had from his time living in Spain.  Our KS2 children exchange letters and email with our partner school to give them the opportunity to practice their writing and grammar skills and receive feedback from a native speaker. They use this opportunity to discuss the differences and similarities of their cultures, focusing on everyday life. They look at hobbies they share, family structures and school life.

Similarly, they use this opportunity to engage in cultural exchange. This exchange happens across the year looking at different celebrations like Christmas, Easter and Epiphany to compare and contrast the differences across cultures. This works alongside our curriculum, and gives the children the chance to learn Spanish culture alongside the language. It helps teach children how to appreciate other cultures and learn in a respectful way. It gives them the chance to learn how different countries around the world celebrate holidays differently to themselves. We exchange information through letters and fact files or seasonal ways like Christmas cards.