German pupils visit Healing School
WILLKOMMEN!
That was the greeting from staff and students at Healing School this week to German schoolchildren.
Fifteen students from three schools in Cleethorpes' twin town of Konigswinter are spending the week at Healing School as part of a German exchange programme.
The aim of the programme, which first started about 30 years ago, is to let students experience a different culture and to enhance their language skills.
In March, 14 year-nine students from Healing will pay a return visit to Konigswinter.
Belinda Chacon-Tuke, modern foreign languages teacher at Healing School, said: "The exchange was resurrected about two years ago, so this is the third time in recent years it has taken place.
"The German students are here for the whole week and we have set up a programme of activities for them, including trips to Lincoln, Magna Science Adventure in South Yorkshire and the Fishing Heritage Centre."
Elisabeth Pruesener, a teacher from Konigswinter who is accompanying students on the trip, said: "This exchange has been running for more than 30 years and we would like to expand it because there are many students in Konigswinter who would love to come over here. At the moment, Healing is the only school that takes part.
"English is our first foreign language, so it's very important for our students to experience the country and its culture."
"Cleethorpes is very popular with people in Konigswinter as it has been our twin town for more than 35 years"
Healing pupil Josh Routledge has been paired with German student Constantin Ulrich, who will be staying with him for the week.
Josh, 14, said: "It's certainly different. We are having to speak more slowly."
"Over here, we are speaking mainly in English, but in Germany, we will be talking in German. It will probably help me learn words I wouldn't learn in school."
Constantin, 14, said: " We went to Pleasure Island on Sunday and it was very nice. In Germany, we go to school earlier and don't have a uniform."
1st October 2009 | Grimsby Telegraph