Exchange
Königswinter - North East Lincolnshire 2000/2001
I
have been fortunate to take part in the Königswinter Exchange
for the first time. However my colleagues, both German and English,
are old friends as this is the 27th exchange between the two areas.
The
hospitality of our hosts in Germany has been extremely generous. Our
English pupils will appreciate the support and kindness that has been
offered to them by their partners. Of course this would not be possible
without the help of the German parents whose valuable efforts have been
greatly appreciated. The town council of Königswinter has also
set a fine example of how to support and encourage such valuable international
relationships.
As
a language teacher in the UK I cannot overstate how impressed I am by
the many benefits that this exchange brings to our pupils. This goes
much further than the opportunity to develop language skills. Pupils
experience a different culture at first-hand, develop their independence
and self-reliance and perhaps most importantly they learn that most
people, whatever their nationality or language, are not very different.
lt seems apparent to me that this exchange should involve all pupils
from our schools in England regardless of their language skills.
I
can only hope that the authorities in both countries will have the vision
to exploit the benefits of this exchange to the maximum and ensure its
future.
Tim Wood, April 2001
