International Community Links

Komatsu Municipal High School Japan and Lord Lawson of Beamish School Gateshead UK

 

It was another opportunity to meet some students from our twin school in Japan when a group from Komatsu came to visit us on July 14th The party of 12 students, was led by Mr Toshihiko Furuya, from Komatsu Municipal High School; a translator also accompanied the party even though Mr Furuya’s command of the English Language was very good indeed and rather better than our ability to speak Japanese!

 

The Japanese party were greeted at the school reception by flag waving Lord Lawson students who were eager to practise the few words of Japanese they had learnt. Gifts were exchanged and welcome speeches made after which our visitors had a tour of the school. A traditional English lunch was prepared together with more international cuisine; pizza being universally acceptable!

 

Lord Lawson students were fascinated with the Calligraphy taught to them, and the Japanese students entered fully into the Geography and History lessons given by Mr Massey and Mr Surtees.

 

Positive discussions took place during the day with Mr Furuya regarding our plans for future projects between the two schools, the Lord Lawson International Community Links working group will be in action to bring our plans to fruition in the coming term. 
May we wish our friends in Komatsu Municipal High School every success as they celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary on October 10th 2009 and we look forward to many more visits between the schools in the future.