Feniton teachers will be jetting off to the Solomon Islands for an educational and cultural experience, which will help to strengthen the village’s cultural links.

Midweek Herald: Feniton CoE Primary School headteacher pictured during a visit to the Solomon Islands.Feniton CoE Primary School headteacher pictured during a visit to the Solomon Islands. (Image: Archant)

Amanda Parsons and Ruth Clarke, who teach at Feniton C of E School, and Ruth Ingrouille, from Tipton St John C of E Primary School, will be taking part in a teacher training experience with their counterparts in the Solomon Islands this summer.

“I am a little bit nervous about the travelling but I am excited to see it first hand,” says deputy headteacher Mrs Parsons. “All three of us are excited to have a go at planning lessons and getting into the classroom.”

Feniton Primary School is twinned with the Norman Palmer School in the Solomon Islands. These cultural links have been developing since 2010. Feniton has historic links with the Solomon Island with John Coleridge Patteson - the first Bishop of Melanesia.

Headteacher Colin Butler has travelled to the islands on a number of occasions and was keen for his teachers to share in the experience.

The East Devon teachers will be exchanging their teaching skills - running some training sessions for all teachers at the Norman Palmer School. They will also visit the teachers in their schools to support them using the techniques and materials they have been shown in their classrooms.

Mrs Parsons added: “It strengthens links and makes the partnership real between our two schools.”

The teachers’ will bring their experiences back into the classroom at Feniton and Mrs Parsons says this will benefit the children ‘throughout the curriculum’.

The Melanesian Mission has been busy fundraising to cover the cost of the teachers’ travel.

Former River Cottage head chef Tim Maddams will be cooking up a storm at the school on Friday, April 25, at 7pm, to support school partnerships in East Devon and Melanesia. He will be serving up a three-course meal made from locally sourced ingredients. Tickets are available from Katie Drew by calling 01404 851491. After April 22, they can be purchased from the school offices at Feniton and Tipton.