AT THE end of term, Barry Comprehensive School hosted a visit from David Ocheing, a teacher from Lwanda Primary School in Kenya. The two schools have worked together over three years in a variety of connecting classroom projects that have been funded by the British Council.

To develop literacy within both schools, students have been writing to each other and developing their knowledge of life in other parts of the world. Pupils were excited to receive a letter from their pen pals and were keen to write back straight away. This year also saw the links first exchange of a school newsletter, created by the students from each school.

David Ocheing (a science and agricultural teacher), observed and taught lessons in both Drama and Art and was able to take part in educational school trips to St. Fagans and The Millennium Centre in Cardiff to watch ‘War Horse’. He offered cultural talks to many students and also helped harvest potatoes from the school garden, alongside of our very own gardening club.

Mr Ocheing thoroughly enjoyed his time in Barry. A special welcome assembly included performances from the cast of ‘Joseph’ and the Drama club, student speeches about poverty and gifts from both schools were exchanged.

The ‘Connecting Classrooms’ link between Barry Comprehensive School and Lwanda Primary School is now in its third year and students and staff are already looking forward to next year.