Tewkesbury Academy recently had the pleasure of hosting a cultural exchange visit from Gifu Shotoku Gaken Junior High School in Japan.
The visit saw 75 students aged 14-15, accompanied by their teachers, visit Tewkesbury for a week filled with cultural learning opportunities.
One of the highlights of the visit was a special session for Tewkesbury’s Year 7 students, who were introduced to various aspects of Japanese culture. The Japanese students performed a captivating musical rendition, followed by a series of engaging activities including origami, calligraphy, trying on traditional kimonos, and participating in games and challenges.
It was heartwarming to see the young people from both schools interacting and learning from each other.
During their stay, our Japanese guests were hosted by local families, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience life in Tewkesbury.
In addition to their time at the academy, the visitors enjoyed sightseeing trips to some of England’s most iconic locations, including Bourton on the Water, Gloucester Cathedral, Oxford, and London.
Julia Whybrow, Tewkesbury Academy Operations Manager, said: “We hope the exchange students enjoyed their time here at Tewkesbury, experiencing English school life as well as the beautiful surroundings of Tewkesbury. It has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about Japanese culture and for both groups to build lasting friendships.”
The cultural exchange visit has undoubtedly enriched the lives of both the visiting and host students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
