TEESDALE School has hosted visitors from warmer climes after four teachers from Chile spent January with the school.

Carlos Olivares, Leslie Torres, Aridna Caceres and Karla Monserrat observed teaching in English, Spanish, Science, History and PE in order to learn new strategies to take back to Chile and improve their curriculum.

They paid weekly visits to four local primary schools: Green Lane, St. Marys, Startforth and Bowes, where they provided authentic Spanish lessons for Key Stage 2 pupils.

They also visited High Force and the Bowes Museum, tasted the local delicacies at 149 Fish and Chips and even got a haircut in Barnard Castle.

Modern foreign languages (MFL) leader, Lindsey McGuiggan, said: “Pupils and staff alike at Teesdale School greatly benefited from the visit.

“It was great to add a new nationality to our already glowing International School Award and to have authentic Spanish speakers within the MFL department.”

The school hopes to continue its links with the Chileans as the Year 12 Spanish class prepare to learn some Chilean history as part of their A2 course next year.

Bridie Fitzgerald, a Year 12 Spanish student said, “Meeting the Chileans gave an incredible insight into another culture and provided a fantastic opportunity to practise speaking Spanish with a native speaker.”