Pupils were visited by a Gambian head teacher to learn about different methods of teaching in other cultures.

Fatou Barrow Jammeh, head teacher at Jenny and Linda’s Nursery School in Gambia, was given a tour of Hornsey School for Girls, in Crouch End and Rokesly Junior School, Rokesly Avenue, during the last week of January.

She also spent the week teaching pupils about the changes to Gambian education over the last ten years, including the recent opportunities for girls to receive the same education and prospects in life as boys.

The aim was to give young people in Haringey an understanding of Gambian culture and to “break down stereotypes.”

Bola Soneye-Thomas, head teacher at Rokesly Junior School, said: “She joined us for a whole school assembly where she was most impressed with the wonderful enthusiastic children.

“She then spent time in each class telling the pupils about life in Gambia. The children were fascinated and asked very thoughtful questions.”

The visit was supported by the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms project that recently saw pupils and teachers from Hornsey School for Girls visit schools in Gambia, including the school Ms Jammeh teaches at.

Girls at Hornsey School have also been sponsoring teacher salaries, along with providing learning resources such as books and chalk, to help girls from poor backgrounds in Gambia gain an education.

Mrs Jammeh said: “Before this partnership we didn’t know much about different teaching and learning resources and how to use them effectively and lesson planning.

“I have learned much more about group work and carousels so I can develop my school to be more child-centred.

“Activities are set by the teacher and then students can work independently. This training will benefit all the teachers in developing their skills and the students by improving the quality and effectiveness of lessons.”