College forges cultural links

A WARRINGTON college is forging links with a counterpart in the Dijon area of France to share good practice and benefit from cultural diversity.
Priestley College’s move will enable staff and students go on exchange visits.
The college is teaming up with Lycee Alain Colas in Nevers.
Priestley is one of several education providers in Warrington linking with partner institutions in Dijon over the next three years. Bridgewater, Padgate and Culcheth high schools and six local primary schools are also involved in the initiative.
Guests from Dijon attended Priestley to sign a formal agreement with education chiefs in Warrington and to meet college staff and students.
Twelve representatives from the schools and colleges in Warrington will visit the French region later this month.
The new partnership follows Le Touquet Agreement signed in June 2006 in Paris by the British Council and the General Directorate of Education. Warrington and Dijon have since been selected as two regions to form links.
Carol Mtitimila, Priestley’s head of Modern Foreign Languages, said: “As a college community we are delighted to be getting involved in this partnership and flying the flag for Warrington. The link will not only be useful to us but indeed the range of schools we work so closely with in the town.
“Although we are at an early stage in the partnership the opportunities on offer are likely to be endless and it won’t be specific to language students. I can clearly see a pathway where other curriculum areas could benefit from exchange visits.”
Picture shows staff from the two colleges and education officials after signing the agreement.