Pupils show their European colours

The students, from France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands arrived on Sunday night and are staying with academy pupils and their families until Wednesday.

“It’s been really good so far, getting to know everyone and sharing experiences,” said Year 9 pupil Leigh Wilby, 13.

Leigh’s foreign friend is 16-year-old Maria from Spain.

“We are managing to communicate quite well although her English is better than my Spanish,” said Leigh.

“The project is really good because we learn about different cultures, languages and lifestyles.”

The exchange sees the 28 students, aged 11-18, and their 10 teachers take part in typical English classroom lessons and visit places of cultural importance.

“The trip incorporates a maths based project called SMILIE - Sharing Maths In Life In Europe,” said modern foreign languages teacher Laura Delleur.

“Our aim is to improve all students’ understanding of maths, languages and IT through conversation, presentations and practical activities.”

Trent Valley Academy has been granted (Euro sign) 25,000 funding through Comenius - the European Union’s education programme for schools and colleges.

It funds collaboration between pupils and teachers across Europe and became available after Trent Valley Academy gained International School Status.

The funding for the two year project, led by Mrs Delleur and Mrs Beth McCann, will see Trent Valley pupils visit the other partner schools in 2013.

But here in Gainsborough, the European students have a packed week ahead of them, enjoying a full English breakfast, typical English lessons, an open mic talent show and a trip to Lincoln.

The trip on Tuesday saw the group travel to Lincoln for a maths trail around the castle and a visit to the city’s impressive cathedral. A spooky ghost tour was also in store once the sun had set.

Wednesday was time for goodbyes, with everyone enjoying a farewell lunch and showcase of their work over the week.

“Everyone has got on splendidly, and they have got a lot out of it,” said Mrs Delleur.

“They have discussed their school lives, home lives, how they spend their money, career opportunities in their countries and their future aspirations.”

“We look forward to building even closer links with these school in the future.”