Nine pupils of South Peninsula (SP) High School, in Diep River, will be jetting off to New Jersey in America on Tuesdsay June 7 after being chosen to represent their school at the Global Classroom Conference.
The Global Classroom Project is a space for teachers and pupils around the world to share, learn and collaborate across international borders.
Eight schools globally formed a partnership called the Global Classroom Partnership and they take turns to host a school from a different country.
Schools participating this year are Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden, Shetland Islands, America, Australia and South Africa.
The Grade 11 delegates from SP will be visiting Ridgewood High School, in New Jersey, where they will present a documentary of their 65-year-old school and its rich history.
Teachers Dana Marinus and Wentzel April will be accompanying the pupils as they will also be visiting the iconic sights of the neighbouring state of New York after the conference.
Ms Marinus said the children have to each make a presentation and talk about what makes their school significant in the community. “Pupils were monitored in Grade 10 already and some of them have already participated in the junior Global Classroom Partnership. There are eight girls and one boy.
Mr April said this is his third year that he will be supporting the pupils. “I went to Sweden, in 2011; we hosted in 2012 and now we’re off to America.”
Asked why there are so many girls involved. He said: “Girls seem to show more interest in any kind of project than boys.”
Mr April said some of the tasks to be presented at the conference are a debate and an ethnic dance which they will have to choreograph themselves. “We will also find out about their education system and compare it with ours.”
The school is busy raising funds for their plane tickets, which cost R16 000.
They will be having a high tea on Saturday March 12, from 3pm to 6pm. Contact Ms Marinus at 079 998 0823 or Mr April at 079 275 2282 for more information.
* A karaoke will be held to raise funds toward Caleb Wolf’s plane ticket, at Steenberg High School, on Friday April 8, from 8pm.
Hilton C is the entertainer. Tickets are R50 each. Contact Maureen on 021 701 0875 or 072 458 4497 for more information.
