Projects

Progress reports 2002 - 2003

St. Clere’s Language College/ Ville aux Roses/ Collège Robert Schuman

Staff

Mr S Ruscoe-Price/ Mrs. Ann Richardson

Background

The link has now been in existence for one year, and was originally established between St. Clere’s and College Robert Schuman. When the organiser, Mrs. Ann Richardson was moved to Collège Ville aux Roses, the link extended to include the three schools.
To begin with we established a letter and e-mail exchange between year eight pupils. We were quite astonished and delighted by the pupils’ response as none of the schools involved has a strong history of international links. Despite many technical and other difficulties ( described in graphic detail in our last report!) we persevered and the link survived.

Progress to date

The highlight this year was undoubtedly Ann’s visit to St. Clere’s in January and our joint presentation of the project details at the London conference. The visit sparked an interest in the food technology department and subsequently a “Galette des Rois” kit and a traditional British cookbook (Amazingly difficult to find!) were exchanged. The email link has extended into year seven and some really beautiful and detailed collages have been sent. Two French partner primaries and two English partner primaries have now agreed to collaborate under the “umbrella” of the original link.

Once again there have been difficulties to overcome. St. Clere’s went through a successful, but inevitably gruelling OFSTED inspection and family illness meant that Liz did not have quite so much time to devote to the project. The ensuing delays caused understandable frustration on the French side at times and meant that Liz’s visit to France has had to be postponed until next September.

Future plans

We are still surviving! And we are still planning for the future!
During Liz’s visit to Ville aux Roses, it is hoped to present a videophone, which will facilitate the link between staff and pupils (St. Clere’s has just taken delivery of videoconferencing equipment) as well as helping with the organisation of our joint trip to Strasbourg next year. More staff at St. Clere’s have also expressed an interest in involving their classes, including a Mandarin Chinese specialist.

In conclusion

It has been quite a tough year, but the link lives on. As with any family, the secret has been plenty of “give and take” and the genuine desire to keep the relationship working.

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