UK Pupils Impress Visiting Ghanaian Teacher

An EAST Riding School has been giving a teacher from Ghana a taste of Yorkshire life over the past fortnight.

The visit of Frank Otchere, from Nkawie School, Ghana, was the culmination of three years' work at South Hunsley School, in East Dale Road, Melton.

The two schools have been fostering relations over that time and last year South Hunsley geography teacher Richard Mann made the reverse journey to Africa.

Mr Otchere, an English teacher, visited lessons in all subjects, but was particularly impressed with the English classes.

Mr Mann told the Mail: "Frank was impressed by the quality of discussion from students. And he has been interested in the practical content of lessons since, with limited resources in his own school, it is difficult to teach in such a way."

Mr Otchere also lent a helping hand with South Hunsley's music department, which is exploring Ghanaian drumming.

A sponsored poetry challenge was held to raise money for activities at the Nkawie School, at which Mr Otchere read a poem in Twi, his local language.

Outside the classes, he also had chance to take in some of the East Riding's main tourist attractions - including a stormy day out at Flamborough Head and a visit to Beverley Minister, where, according to Mr Mann, he found the tour of the roof to be "awe-inspiring".

Mr Otchere also spent a day as a guest of South Cave Primary School, in Church Street, and an afternoon at the University of Hull, Cottingham Road, north Hull.

He flew back to Ghana late on Wednesday night, where he will share his experiences with colleagues and students at his school, as well as reporting back to the district director of education.

Mr Mann said the visit had strengthened the growing link between the two schools, which already includes about 60 pen pals, and there are plans to incorporate it into the curriculum next year.

"It is hoped that further visits by staff and students may become a regular feature in future years," he added.