Oranje-Diamant Primary in Hopetown, South Africa which has a wonderful link with Longniddry Primary School, has recently set up it’s own website using our edubuzz platforom.

The Link began in 2005 when Mrs Forgie spent her summer holidays as a ‘Global Teacher’ (through Link Community Development) in Oranje-Diamant Primary. During these 5 weeks she worked with the school on Behaviour Management – sharing with them about Golden Time, the Golden Rules (which Oranje-Diamant Primary adapted to ‘The Diamond Rules’) and Rewards and Sanctions.  She also worked in the Computer Suite with whole classes, did some demonstration lessons in Basic Moves and worked with some teachers on differentiation in classes.  Following her return, both Longniddry Primary and Oranje-Diamant schools were very keen to set up a Partnership or ‘Link’.  Since then the schools have regularly exchanged pupil’s work, Christmas cards and questionnaires.  The teachers have shared information about the teaching of science and formative assessment.

In 2006/07 the schools successfully applied for a Reciprocal Visit Grant from the British Council and DFiD.  In May 2007, Averil Gorrah (Depute Head of Oranje-Diamant) and Audrey Finck (teacher) visited Longniddry from SA.  They spent a full 5 days in school, closely observing areas of interest to them, and answering many questions about South Africa

In January 2008, Longniddry’s Hilary Bell (Art Specialist and class teacher) and Jennifer Cummings (Special Needs Auxilliary) went out to visit Oranje Diamant Primary.  They had a warm welcome in Cape Town, where Averil Gorrah and his brother were able to show them around.  They then spent a full 5 days in ODPS where they observed lessons and took part in staff meetings and inservice sessions.