CHURCH Walk C.E. Primary School has struck a new partnership with a school in Ethiopia, as part of the Connecting Classrooms programme.

The Ulverston school joins a number of others in south Cumbria taking part in the British-Council-run initiative which, in projects that extend to over 30 different countries, works with schools to help young people develop a range of skills and forge cross-cultural connections.

Along with Church Walk Primary, Sir John Barrow Primary, Croftlands Junior School and George Romney Junior School will take part in the programme.

Students from Church Walk will be working on co-educational projects with pupils from Dandii Boru School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopa.

Jane Newby, a teacher at Church Walk School, said: “Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning is an exciting project to be part of, which will give the children the opportunity to work with children from Ethiopia to learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how they impact upon both communities.

"We are really excited about this fantastic opportunity. Our aim is to equip the children with transferable skills for their futures, such as: collaboration and communication; citizenship; critical thinking and student leadership. Taking part in this project will enable the pupils to reflect upon their own situation from an alternative perspective and deepen their understanding of the world."

Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, also said: "I am delighted that Church Walk C.E. Primary School in Ulverston is taking on this excellent opportunity to develop their professional practice by collaborating with teachers from Ethiopia and the UK. Their commitment to equip young people with skills and understanding for life and work in an increasingly global economy is to be commended."