Reepham Primary School visits twin school in Japan

Reepham Primary School visited Sakado Azuma Kindergarten in Sakado, Japan, as part of an 18-year partnership that has connected pupils and cultures.

The visit saw headteacher Caroline Henry and teacher Amy Whitby travel to Japan to spend time at the kindergarten, located about 25 miles from Tokyo.

During their stay, they attended the graduation ceremony and Ms Henry delivered a speech celebrating the long-standing partnership.

Ms Whitby taught phonics to more than 100 pupils and led several workshops for parents.

Ms Henry said: “It is vital to us that our children have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, and our link with Japan is fundamental to this.

“Our children love finding out about our twin school and experiencing Japanese culture, and we embed this learning within our curriculum.

“Both Amy and I were honoured to spend time experiencing Japanese education, thanks entirely to the generosity of the kindergarden, and we will take what we have learnt and share it directly with our children as part of their learning.”

The two teachers shared photos and updates from the visit with pupils and families back in Reepham.

The partnership is designed to offer children from both countries a meaningful insight into each other’s way of life.

Each year, Reepham Primary marks Japan Week with themed activities.

Past visits from the kindergarten have included time with pupils, who proudly display Japanese versions of their names.

Following the Easter break, the Norfolk school will welcome Shizuka, a teacher from Sakado Azuma Kindergarten, who will work with pupils.

Japan Week will also take place later in April.

Reepham Primary is also linked with a school in Malawi.

The school holds an annual Malawi Week to help pupils learn about African culture and traditions.