BEVERLY HILLS IEC & CHATSWOOD IEC CULTURAL VISIT

Last week we had the pleasure of a return visit from Beverley Hills Intensive English centre. Mr Michael Harmey, the Principal returned with eight students from his school. Some of which were newly arrived from Sierra Leone. He was accompanied by Haifa, teacher’s aid, a lovely Lebanese Muslim with a heart of gold.

This visit was particularly special because Ms Julie Ross, who was the Head teacher has just been promoted to Chatswood IEC as the Deputy.  As a result she arrived with eight students from her school. The demographics of which are quite different. Her teachers aid was Shesukul, a Japanese lady who lived up to her name – ‘She’s so cool’.  The students had ample opportunity to mix with our students and share their very different experiences of growing up in their respective countries.  The visitors enjoyed a day in the Warrumbungles, which is particularly exciting for them as they have not had an opportunity to travel outside of Sydney. The animals were of particular interest as well as the wide open spaces and beautiful scenery.  The visitors loved attending the social and talking informally with all of our students.

Educationally it is a great opportunity for our students to hear the stories of these brave young people who have undergone hardships that are difficult for our students to imagine. The Year 11 Modern History class had the opportunity to listen to the stories of Sierra Leone refugees who witnessed horrific scenes as they attempted to escape in refugee camps before having the opportunity to come to Australia. Years 12 were also able to work with the visitors about their life to support their study of ‘The Journey”, their main topic in Year 12 English.

Overall, the visit was a great success and we look forward to seeing them again next year.

Sharyn Stafford