TWO teachers have returned from a fact-finding visit to America and are hoping to bring a taste of the States to their school.

Carol Sourbuts and Peter Briggs, of Pleckgate High, Blackburn, spent ten days in Charleston, South Carolina, where they visited Fort Dorchester High School.

Both schools now hope community organisations on both sides of the Atlantic will establish links, using the schools as a focus. The teachers have prepared a detailed report of their visit, which is to be presented to governors.

They said: "There is no doubt that the partnership could provide excellent staff development opportunities and other benefits, including curriculum enhancement, shared experiences and information. "We also hope that members of the community in and around Blackburn will be able to forge links.

"There is much to be gained both socially and economically by developing an understanding between the two countries."

South Carolina already has a well established scheme called World Class Partnership, which uses links with schools around the world to develop cultural, tourism and economic bonds.

Pleckgate is now hoping to keep in touch with the school by establishing an E-mail link.

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