Exploring International Culture and Heritage

Posted at 11:22 am on 14th January, 2020

Welcoming Visitor from New Zealand

In December, Wellacre welcomed Mr Calvert, a history teacher all the way from St. Patrick’s College in Wellington, New Zealand. 

Year 7 and Year 9 students invited Mr Calvert into their humanities lessons to learn more about New Zealand’s history and culture.  Students also heard about Maori heritage and language. 

Mr Calvert opened up a discussion with students asking a variety of questions about sport, geography and the education system in New Zealand. 

Wellacre has been working in partnership with Mr Calvert and St. Patrick’s College as part of the International School Award.  Wellacre students conducted research on WW1 soldiers from Wellington, who they discovered buried in France and Belgium on the school’s battlefields tour. 

On their return, students shared their investigation materials with Mr Calvert and his school, which he, in turn, shared with his students.

Mr Gillan, Teacher of Humanities, said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about a different country and culture. It allowed them to ask interesting questions and consider cultural, historical and geographical similarities and differences between our two countries. It was also a chance for students to think about the opportunities to live, study and work overseas in their futures.”

This year, Wellacre was re-accredited with the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.  The award celebrates Wellacre’s international education and ongoing effort to add an international dimension to the school’s curriculum, to ensure young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.