In recent years, the College has relished an increasing number of opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and access to facilities with less fortunate schools, particularly in the developing world.
The latest opportunity arose as a result of the Touraid initiative, which aims to combat child poverty using shared passions for rugby. Through the exchange initiative, local rugby club Reading Abbey RFC have forged a relationship with the Sure 24 Orphanage and the Living Fountain Academy School in Nakuru, Kenya. When Touraid organiser and Shiplake parent Mr Kris Jones spotted an opportunity of how we could help the Kenyan school, we were more than happy to oblige.
The Living Fountain Academy accommodates 320 boys and girls and gives them a well-rounded education. Teachers at the Academy are now looking at ways in which they can better cater to individual students, particularly those at the extreme ends of the performance spectrum. On Wednesday 4 June, our Learning Development Department welcomed two teachers from the Academy, Millie and Sammy, to share their expertise and offer some fresh ideas.
On arrival, Sammy and Millie were given a tour of the College by Sixth Form pupil Beth Jones. Unfortunately, the British weather failed to perform and the tour was accompanied by persistent drizzle. Sammy did not seem perturbed, however, joking that he had at least seen a true reflection of England!
Following the tour, the visitors attended a Year 9 Learning Development lesson, where pupils Jamie Pond, Hugo Oglina and Tim Herbert showed off the work they have done so far this term. Sammy and Millie then spent time with LDev specialist Mrs Annemarie Higgins, who outlined the differentiated resources and standardised testing used in the UK.
Living Fountain has limited access to training and testing resources, but a reliable internet connection has recently been established. It is hoped that we will soon be able to share valuable resources with developing countries, to improve the education they can offer to local children.
After waving us goodbye, Millie and Sammy will continue to visit other schools before heading home next week.
