Students' taste of different cultures

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Wednesday, April 07, 2010
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This is Scunthorpe

INTERNATIONAL students from a Saudi Arabian school have given North Lincolnshire pupils a fascinating insight into Middle Eastern culture.

Twelve students from King Saud International school in Riyadh paid a special visit to Winterton Comprehensive to experience life in a British secondary school.

The group were accompanied by teacher Liz Bainbridge, head of senior high at King Saud, who used to live in Burton-Upon-Stather.

"The pupils have not experienced anything like this before," said Liz.

"Although we follow the British curriculum, students do not learn music, technology or art, so they experienced subjects they have never been taught before.

"The trip was excellent and all the pupils have really enjoyed it. Saudi Arabia is quite a closed society, so it took a while, but the pupils really started to open up and enjoy the activities."

The visiting students come from a variety of countries across the globe, including Syria, Lebanon and eastern Africa.

Reem Talal, 17, was enthralled by the school's cheerleading lesson.

"I have enjoyed the visit and the pupils at Winterton are very talented," she said.

"Everyone has been very friendly and it has been lots of fun.

"The cheerleading lesson was great – it was very different to the lessons we do.

"The weather was a bit of a shock to us – it is 30 degrees in Saudi, so we are not used to the cold."

After taking part in a variety of lessons, the students enjoyed a game of five-a-side football and a cheerleading lesson.

Aya Majzoup, 17, said there were many differences between the two schools.

"Winterton school is very nice and it is great to see the difference between our schools.

"We have never done some of the subjects before like technology and cooking, art or IT so it is really exciting.

"All of the classrooms are brightly decorated and it makes a lovely learning environment."

Aya explained what the highlights of the trip had been.

She said: "We concentrate on the three sciences, maths and English and a small amount of humanities so it was interesting to try other things.

"I really enjoyed the cheerleading. It was fun trying to learn the moves and all the students were very friendly and patient with us."

Winterton Comprehensive School headteacher John Fitzgerald said the visit had been a great learning experience for both schools.

"The visiting students were paired with 12 of our pupils and they joined in a variety of our lessons.

"For the second half of the day, the boys took part in a football match while the girls joined a cheerleading lesson.

"Our pupils have been able to ask questions and learn more about the Middle Eastern culture and religion."

Mr Fitzgerald added: "The trip was a brilliant success and I hope it can be repeated in the future."

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13 Comments

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Mick Dundee, Melbourne, Australia

    Thursday, April 08 2010, 1:24PM

    “BNP....seriously?
    Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Oxymoronic, scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 3:45PM

    “No, Mr Ward, that was a Freudian Slip.”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Oxymoronic, scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 3:42PM

    “brian - at this time you do what??? I have made no comment about who you might choose to vote for. You are defending yourself when there has been no attack. Perhaps it's all part of a siege mentality...”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Doug Ward, BNP HQ Scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 3:17PM

    “Oxymoronic ¿ I fear the concept of your suggestion that my response was ¿A good politician¿s answer¿. Whilst I smile at the possible interpretations of what you say, can I say in my defence that I have absolutely no desire to become a Politician. I am standing in this election to become an Honourable Member of Parliament who will fight for the best interests of Scunthorpe and Britain and whilst the thought of may cause some to splutter on their tea, I and many others are, if not now, will be by the end of May 6th, totally fed up with all Politicians.
    And to all other commenter¿s, let us not focus on how other countries run their National affairs, good or bad. This election is about how we shall run ours over the next 5 years and when I said well done to Mr Fitzgerald and his class I truly meant it, because people from all over the world should be allowed to see what a wonderful country this is, but let¿s not forget it¿s not a very big one. Sorry oxymoronic, was that a thinly and clumsily disguised political massage? Hmmm, Let¿s let the reader decide.
    Good to speak anyway.”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by brian, scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 3:09PM

    “oxymoronic, at this time i do, i have looked at all party's, policy's cleared my head of who,s or what party , and looked at which will take us out of this recession and yes i will vote BNP . it surprised me, have a look now and tell me what's wrong with there policy's and tell me why i should not be voting for them. and why i should trust other party's more than them, none of the ruling party give me a say and do as they want hiding facts bending rules, honestly waiting for your reply. brian”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Oxymoronic, scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 2:46PM

    “brian - your assumption before was that I have never been to Saudi, and your new assumption is that Christopher "must be new labour". Mr Ward - a good politician's answer.”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by ENGLANDER, Scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 2:34PM

    “well said doug, i have looked at all partys manifestos and policy's , whish others would look instead of criticizing might find out they are supporting the wrong party for this country, i did now i support BNP i love my country , time for a change, whish you all the best in forth coming elections.”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by brian, scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 2:19PM

    “Christopher, you must be new labour, i dont assume any think they are facts go over youself have a look no bill of human rights to protect you . frowned on meant persecuted ,”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Doug Ward, BNP HQ Scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 2:01PM

    “Oxymoron ¿ Surely the accusation is relevant to all who take the time to participate in the debate of the subjects posted. Irrespective of our political persuasion goodness and positive points can be found in every debate and whilst some who comment are less articulate in their use of the English language, they should not only still be entitled to the ¿Freedom of Speech¿ but also the ¿Freedom to be Heard¿ whether we agree with them or not.
    There are more than I that use this platform, that is available and free for all to decide whether the writer is right or wrong in their views. And for me not to participate would only deny those who read my comments the possibility to pass judgment.
    Whilst my comments are in no way intentionally designed to offend, the second part of my comment was slightly tongue in cheek, I admit.
    Above all else I am an official Parliamentary Candidate who is standing at the General Election, and to deny me the use of this platform can only be detrimental to the process of democracy.
    I am always open to debate and if founded right or wrong then at least I and the reader may have learnt something.
    Thank you for your comment.”

  • Profile image for This is Scunthorpe

    by Christopher, scunthorpe

    Wednesday, April 07 2010, 1:43PM

    “brian, 'clearly' you like to make assumptions. What has all of that got to do with whether Ward should use this as a political platform?? You are right about women's rights, but I hardly think that their frowning on christianity should be a black mark against them!”

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