Coleraine schools to host Sri Lankan visitors

Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle, the co-ordinating school, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballycastle, St Joseph’s College, Coleraine, and Coleraine High School have formed a cluster of North Antrim schools embarking on a three year project linking with a similar cluster in Sri Lanka.

For the local secondary schools this international partnership will provide a context for a Connected Learning theme in Year 10 which enables pupils to connect with their peers in Sri Lanka through a variety of curricular areas.

It will support the Northern Ireland Curriculum objective of “developing the young person as a contributor to a global society and economy.” At primary level it will support the KS2 Global Learning elements of Personal Development and Mutual Understanding.

North Eastern Education and Library Board Officer Andrine McWilliams speaking ahead of the visit: “Connecting Classrooms brings an international dimension to the school curriculum. This week’s visit will provide further context to the link between the schools by providing an opportunity for face-to-face meetings and planning.”

Barbara Ward, Principal at the co-ordinating school, Cross and Passion College said: “We see it as a great opportunity for our children to get to know about life, customs and traditions in Sri Lanka. In addition to this, we hope that the wider community in North Antrim will get involved and benefit from this very exciting link.”

On Wednesday Coleraine High School will host a concert with Irish dancers, music, recitations and drama. The Sri Lankan guests will visit lessons in Geography and English and enjoy lunch at school

They will also visit St Joseph’s College and the Giant’s Causeway.