12 October 2009

Students, staff and parents at St Mary Magdalene Academy welcomed two visiting teachers from our partner school in Senegal in September. Mr Moustapha Mall and Mr Aliou Idy Sylla from Ecole Elementaire de Donaye spent 10 days in London to learn more about life, education and culture in the UK. It was the first time Mr Mall and Mr Sylla have travelled outside of Senegal, so they experienced quite a culture shock!

During the visit, Mr Mall and Mr Sylla spent time in school observing primary and secondary lessons to see what they could learn about the way students are taught in the UK. They talked to teachers and students (with some help from our student translators!) to find out what life is like for them in London. They also took part in a special welcome assembly, where they enjoyed musical performances by our Primary and Secondary students, and were able to watch part of the DVD which Academy students had made as a gift to them.

Mr Mall and Mr Sylla also met with various members of Academy staff to plan new curriculum projects for students of both schools for the next year. We have some exciting projects coming up, including a recycling project and a fashion show!

Mr Mall and Mr Sylla were very happy to receive the clothes that parents and students donated back in July, and have taken these back to their school in Senegal to share among their most needy students and families. We look forward to receiving photos shortly. Letters from our Primary students were also sent to Senegal, and they look forward to receiving replies from their penpals in November.

During their stay, Mr Mall and Mr Sylla were also able to relax and enjoy sightseeing around London with members of staff, and to watch an Arsenal football match. They visited St Paul's Cathedral, where they met Canon Lucy Winkett, Chair of Govenors. They were also entertained by some parents from the Academy and experienced ice-skating, swimming, a cookery lesson and a visit to the London Eye.

Mr Mall and Mr Sylla wish to thank all the students, staff and parents for making their visit so special.

See pictures of their visit by clicking below...