WEATHER-minded students have been comparing life above and below sea level thanks to exchange visit designed to broaden horizons.
Darlington School of Mathematics and Science played host to 44 Year 10 students and staff from Castricum in Holland, an area that exists only thanks to the technology of dykes and pumps.
The party of students from Jac P Thijsse College spent five days camping at Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, and experiencing life in Darlington and the region.
They enjoyed a tour of the school, experienced lessons in IT, English and technology and joined DSMS students in the school’s TV studios to make a video comparing student life in the two countries.
As part of their interest in water management, they visited White Scar Caves in the Yorkshire Dales, the Tees Barrage at Stockton, where they saw a fire and rescue team exercise involving a car in the floods, and Durham.
DSMS is planning a return visit to Holland in 2015.
DSMS Geography teacher Kirsty Dunn said: “The bilingual students got an awful lot out of the trip, particularly developing their English language skills. But the visit was also a great opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons, which they will develop even further when they go to Holland.”
DSMS assistant head teacher Rob Cessford added: “The Dutch party all live below sea level, which to us must be quite unnerving as they face the constant risk of flooding. They came to England expecting our typically wet weather but were pleasantly surprised when the sun came out.”
Dutch geography teacher Ger Fatels said: “Our students have really benefited from talking in another language. They have half their lessons in English so it is important for them to do something with their language skills, so the exchange visit is ideal. They also made new friends who they can keep in touch with via the internet.”
Dutch student Marleen Ridder, 14, added: “I wanted to meet new people and experience talking to them in English. It has been great seeing how education works over here. I have really enjoyed it and met some really nice people.”
