As part of the partnership, the two schools will use online tools to develop joint projects so that pupils can share insights into the lifestyle and culture of their own country. The children will also develop their foreign language skills and exchange letters on a regular basis throughout the course of the academic year. 

eTwinning is the digital community for schools involving over 500,000 teachers in 43 countries across Europe and beyond, funded by the European Commission as part of the Erasmus+ programme and managed in the UK by the British Council. In the UK over 12,000 schools have been involved in eTwinning.

Kitebrook’s European Languages Day saw the launch of the eTwinning project for their Year 6 -8 children, who began writing their first letters to their new correspondents along with many other French activities, including building an Eiffel Tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows, playing boules and taking part in the European-themed bake sale, which raised over £780 for the Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Miss Ruth Hogg, Head of French at Kitebrook Preparatory School, said: “Our pupils are really excited about this new project and getting to know their correspondents. It will be a great opportunity for them to put their knowledge and understanding of the French language into practice and gain a new insight into the culture of France. We have already exchanged treasure boxes with Jean Moulin, containing gifts from our respective regions and opened these as part of our European Day of Languages Celebrations”. 

eTwinning aims to develop knowledge and understanding of different European cultures and languages and help young people gain skills for their future lives and careers. Through the eTwinning portal, schools and colleges can search for partners in Europe and access online tools to take part in joint projects free of charge.

Ruth Sinclair-Jones, UK National Agency Director for Erasmus+ and eTwinning, British Council, said: “We have a responsibility to prepare young people for life and work in our global society. 

“Participation in eTwinning has enabled young people to connect with others across Europe, share ideas across borders and develop as global citizens.”