Ugandan visitors sample school life in Ballycastle

One Ugandan teacher, Harriet, from Kampala, visited the school for ten days to learn about the Northern Ireland Curriculum. She looked at active teaching and learning methods and how to effectively run and manage a school to optimise learning.

As a result of the visit, the local students also found out about school life in Uganda and the challenges children in the developing world face.

A special assembly was held for the Ugandan teachers and their host schools within the Province.

Students from all classes, accompanied by representatives from Comhaltas traditional music group, and the Lisa Gillan School of Irish Dancing, provided a rich cultural program for all visiting staff to enjoy.

As an International Schools Award holder, St Patricks and St Brigid’s Primary School endeavours to promote an international perspective on learning to help engender values of respect, tolerance, racial and cultural awareness.

It also seeks to enhance the schools Rights Respecting Schools Award by helping to ensure all children receive a good education globally and broaden their understanding of developing world issues and how they can help to ensure a more equitable and fairer world.

International Schools Co-ordinator, Mrs Fitzpatrick explained: “ We have worked with the International Schools Award for over seven years and believe it is an excellent project to help children understand diversity and promote a multi-cultural attitude to people different from

ourselves.”

Later this term, Mrs Mc Gouran, a teacher at the school, will travel to Uganda to visit schools there and help teachers in Kampala develop their professional practice as part of the award.