School uniforms, different subjects and longer school days were among the talking points when 56 pupils from Poland spent a day at Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon.
The visiting pupils, aged 13 and 14, were given the chance to experience a typical day at a British secondary school, meeting local students, exploring classrooms and finding out how school life compares with their own.
And while there was plenty to discover, it seems the visitors weren’t the only ones who came away having learnt something.
A total of 43 Lawn Manor pupils volunteered as Welcome Ambassadors for the occasion, helping their Polish guests settle in and showing them around the academy.
The visitors joined lessons, spent time chatting with their Swindon counterparts and enjoyed board games in the school library.
There was also a music and dance showcase, with Lawn Manor pupils choosing their own songs and putting together their own routines for the visiting group.
A Different School Day
Among those welcoming the Polish pupils were Year 10 students Tilly and Lydia, who helped guide their guests around the school.
Lydia also took to the stage during the entertainment, playing bass guitar as part of the performance.
For her, one of the most interesting parts of the visit was finding out just how different the two education systems can be.
“It was interesting showing them the classrooms and what it’s like to be at school in the UK. We found out there were quite a few differences in the subjects they learn compared with us, and they were surprised that we all wear a uniform,” she said.
But there was one aspect of Polish school life that particularly caught her attention.
“I wish schools in the UK didn’t have uniforms and had a shorter school day, like in Poland!”
Making Visitors Feel Welcome
Lawn Manor’s Welcome Ambassadors scheme gives pupils the opportunity to represent their school and help visitors feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
Their responsibilities range from meeting prospective pupils and families to welcoming guests from overseas.
The students also play a part in the academy’s annual Celebration of Welcomes and Cultural Day events.
Tilly, who first became a Welcome Ambassador in Year 9, said being involved has given her the chance to take on more responsibility.
“Each year you get to do more things and take on bigger roles. It’s cool to show people around, welcome them and make them feel included,” she said.
Swindon Pupils to Visit Poland Next Year
The experience won’t end with the Polish pupils’ trip to Swindon.
Plans are already in place for Lawn Manor students, including Lydia, to travel to Poland next year and spend a day experiencing school life there.
It will give the Swindon pupils an opportunity to see the differences for themselves, from classroom routines to the subjects being taught.
Headteacher Russell Langdown said the visit reflected the school’s commitment to helping young people understand different cultures and experiences.
“We’re very proud of the welcoming and inclusive environment here at Lawn Manor and we think it’s incredibly important to embrace and celebrate what makes us different, as well as giving our pupils an international perspective on learning and life,” he said.
“By giving our pupils the opportunity to spend time with their Polish peers, they can expand their outlook and see different perspectives, all things that will benefit them as they go through life.”
For the pupils involved, the day offered something a little different from their usual timetable, along with new friendships and a chance to compare school life across two countries.
And for the Lawn Manor students heading to Poland next year, there will be an opportunity to discover whether those shorter school days really are as appealing as they sound.
Lawn Manor Academy is part of Ascend Learning Trust.
Further information about the school can be found on the Lawn Manor Academy website.
