20/09/23

Yesterday marked a momentous occasion for the pupils and staff at Holme Grange School who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their sister school in Japan.

Claire Robinson, Headteacher at Holme Grange School said:

“Today marks a special occasion in our journey toward global education and mutual enrichment. On behalf of Holme Grange School, I extend a heartfelt welcome to everyone gathered here, both physically and virtually, to celebrate the commencement of a landmark partnership between our esteemed schools.

We are profoundly honoured to celebrate this partnership between Holme Grange School in the United Kingdom and Tsuda Gakuen in Japan. This alliance not only epitomises international collaboration at its finest but also sets a powerful example for our students, affirming that when diverse minds come together, great things can happen.

This partnership promises to be mutually enriching. For our students, it presents an opportunity to cultivate cross-cultural communication skills, which are indispensable in our interconnected world. For our staff, the exchange of pedagogical strategies and best practices will surely elevate our teaching methods. We are excited to explore the cross-cultural projects, shared curricular activities, and joint ventures that can blossom from this relationship. This is not merely a symbolic alliance; it is a pledge to tangible, impactful cooperation.”

She added: “We understand the significance of today’s event for both our schools, and I want to express our deepest respect and gratitude for allowing us to be part of this momentous occasion. We are fully committed to the success of this partnership and look forward to contributing to an ever-growing tapestry of shared experiences and learning.”

Mr Tsuda Koji, Chairman of Tsuda Gakuen Schools said:

“It is a great pleasure for me to be here today to celebrate the MoU signing ceremony between Holme Grange School and the Tsuda Gakuen Educational Corporation. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Global Schools Alliance and all those who have worked so hard to make this agreement possible.

Japan and the UK are now closer than ever before. Despite the geographic remoteness of our two countries, many Japanese feel a strong affinity and admiration for the UK, not only because of political and economic ties, but also because of the many similarities between our two countries.

Through this exchange, we hope that students from both schools will acquire the ability to live strongly in a global society, and that they will become individuals who are interested in global issues that have the will and the ability to proactively engage in various issues in order to realize a better international society.”

The Sister School Partnerships programme is a long-term relationship between two partner schools, consisting of immersive bilateral student exchanges, leadership delegations and teacher training trips, meaningful joint projects, online collaborations and curriculum enrichment. Visit our programme page to find out more and register your interest.