Teacher on Exchange Visit in Jamaica
Published on:
23
May 2012
A Clackmannanshire school teacher has just returned from the Caribbean as part of an exchange arrangement with a school in Jamaica.
Head of Education, Belinda Greer, explained: "Clackmannanshire Schools' Support Service and Dunoon Technical High School, Kingston, Jamaica, established a link 18 months ago as part of the Global School Partnership."
The partnership between the council's Support Service and Dunoon Technical High School was established after Wilson Moreland from the British Council in Jamaica read about the Clackmannanshire Schools' Support Service on a website and suggested a link.
Regular communication with Dunoon Technical High School took place, exclusively by email, exchanging information about music and poetry in their two countries.
A successful application for a reciprocal visit was agreed in February 2012, and earlier this month Clackmannanshire teacher Bruce Caldwell jetted off to the Caribbean.
Bruce travelled to Jamaica on 3rd May, with accommodation supplied by the Principal of Dunoon High School, Geraldine Arthurs, and her family, in the island's Spanish Town.
Bruce, who has lived and worked in Clackmannanshire, for 21 years, the past 12 for Clackmannanshire Schools' Support Service, taught for five days in Jamaica, teaching English and elements of Scottish and English history. Each school day began at 5am through to 7pm.
He also gave instruction to the Jamaican schoolchildren in the art of Scottish Country Dancing.
Bruce was also was involved in meetings with the after school Global School Partnership Club and engaged in Solution Focus sessions with staff and students.
The Clackmannanshire teacher also experienced wonderful Jamaican cuisine prepared by Mrs Arthurs, formerly a teacher of Home Economics.
During his visit Bruce also met officials of the Ministry of Education and the British Council at the British High Commission.
He also handed over to the Jamaican's donations of tablet from Clackmannanshire confectionery firm Mrs Tilly, which, according to Bruce, went down a treat with staff and pupils.
Bruce said: "Classes with 40 pupils was a challenge. One thing I would say I learned from the visit is that pupils at Dunoon High and attending CSSS face similar challenges despite their different locations."
The partnership will enable pupils have a global perspective whilst also allowing the children and staff in both schools to celebrate diversity.
Key exchange Teacher at Dunoon High, Ms Jodi-Kaye Foote will visit Clackmannanshire in September and preparations by staff and pupils are already underway to reciprocate Jamaican hospitality.
Further to the exchange visit, Clackmannanshire Schools' Support Service has made significant progress through its Eco-Committee has recently gained a second Eco Schools flag. 
The Group photo is at the British Council, featuring Shaun Aarons Vice Principal, Wilson Moreland from British Council, Bruce Caldwell, Jodi-Kaye Foote and Jamelia White pupil.