A GROUP of teachers from primary schools across Widnes and Runcorn visited South Africa during the Easter break.

Representatives from Lunt’s Heath, St Bede’s, Astmoor and Moorfield primary schools made the trip as part of a Connecting Classrooms’ project designed to help teach critical thinking.

The teachers were hosted at partner schools for a week long exchange, sharing best practice teaching, identifying with pupils how to use critical thinking to solve big problems, and collaborate with school leaders on effective leadership.

Teachers also looked to raise awareness in young people around the damage caused by the global plastic pollution problem.

The schools have now agreed to collaborate on a project to raise environmental awareness within their communities in an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle a greater volume of single use plastic.

Andy Williams, the group leader, said: “In communities operating in severe poverty, we witnessed a genuine hunger and desire to make education count for every child.

“Through much thought and discussion, the visiting party have left feeling energised and strengthened to perform their own job with more determination.”

It was not all work for the teachers though, as they were able to experience different cultural aspects including a visit to a lion park and the chance to see a famous Nelson Mandela statue.

Andrew Guy, teacher Astmoor Primary, said: “ The experiences that I have gained from my time in Mashemong Primary have given me a new perspective on being a teacher.

“It has opened a new network of professional contacts to communicate and share teaching ideas with and endorse a sense of gratitude and humility with the children that I teach.”

Lunt’s Heath teacher Reina Fazackerley also added: “ Having the opportunity to share educational practices and have professional discussions with British and South African colleagues gave me the chance to reflect on my own practice.

“It was a privilege to visit South Africa and be welcomed warmly into Emmangweni Primary School.”