A REDDITCH school is building bridges and enriching education both here – and in the Middle East.
Over seven years, Woodrow First School has been forging links with children and teachers in Palestine, helping to transform their quality of education and at the same time opening a window on the world for youngsters here.
The Longdon Close school is a national leader in teaching through drama, using a technique known as ‘Mantle of the Expert’, to breakdown barriers and enhance learning – with astonishing results.
Its success has brought the school international recognition and this week eight teachers from Palestine are in Redditch discovering the technique for themselves.
“This is the fourth visit by teachers from Palestine and they’re here to pick up some of the things we use in our school so they can apply them back home, as they find it beneficial to their children,” said Woodrow headteacher Richard Kieran.
The trip has been organised through the British education charity the AM Quattan Foundation, and so strong are the links Woodrow has forged that its own staff have given up their own holidays to go out and teach in cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah.
Welcoming
Over the years the link with Palestine has also had an impact on the extended Woodrow family.
“The people of Woodrow have always been very welcoming, some bringing in food and good wishes – the children love it and there’s always a friendly face,” added Richard.
Also involved is the Bishop of Worcester, the Rev John Inge, while local MP Karen Lumley has been instrumental in securing the visas for the visits. The initiative has won praise from school inspectors from Ofsted.
Palestinian teacher Hiba Al Qaq said: “We are here to study the Mantle of the Expert technique of teaching and empowering children through drama which we find is very effective in furthering their education.”
While here the teachers have also been learning about the UK (“very organised and very beautiful”) as well as visiting cultural and historical sites of interests.
