Last week Wingrove Primary School hosted a visit from Catherine Sagnelonge, the Deputy Consul General, and Eric Donjon the Honorary Consul for France for the North of England, to celebrate the school’s international connections and its successful links to France.
Headteacher Jane Mullarkey welcomed Catherine and Eric and showcased Wingrove's impressive collaboration with its partner school in Nancy, France. The children even performed a song in French for the visitors.
The school’s strong relationship with the city of Nancy has been key in developing meaningful educational opportunities.
A highlight of Wingrove’s Year 6 program is the annual trip to France, which offers pupils a unique opportunity to experience a new culture while practising their language skills. Traditionally funded by the Turing Scheme, this trip offers pupils the opportunity to travel by train to Nancy, with a stop to explore the historic landmarks of Paris along the way. The journey is a favourite among students, creating lasting memories and providing invaluable learning experiences.
Jane, Eric, and Catherine also had a productive discussion about exploring potential funding opportunities with colleagues in Nancy and the French Embassy. Their aim is to support pupils from Les 5 Fontaines Nancy, Wingrove's partner school, in visiting Wingrove Primary School in the future.
The school’s work has been supported by Sarah Edgar, Education Consultant in the Children’s and Families Directorate. Her guidance in securing funding and arranging these visits has ensured that Wingrove continues to set an inspiring example for schools across the region and support its pupils to be well-prepared to embrace a world of diverse cultures and languages.
Several schools across the city have partnered with schools in Newcastle’s twinned city of Nancy, and are reaping the benefits of the learning opportunities these collaborations provide.