THREE teachers from India spent two weeks learning about life in an English classroom by visiting Oldfield Brow Primary School.

Kunwar Chauhan, Neelam Devi and Virendra Negi came to Trafford from Garhwal English Medium School (GEMS).

The two establishments have forged close ties over the years - with staff comparing teaching methods and pupils sharing goodwill and exchanging gifts.

Kunwar said the trio had "first hand experience" of UK teaching methods and praised OBP staff for "keeping every child engaged."

He said: "There is creativity in the teaching methods which keeps every student involved in the subject.

We have noted that teachers at OBP school respect every students' views whereas in India we don't give too much importance to students' views.

"No wonder students here are not hesitant to speak to teachers whereas in India children are quite afraid of asking or answering to teachers. Teachers here are friendly towards students whereas in India students are afraid of their teachers and they keep their distance.

"Our teachers saw at OBP teachers make a lot of use of educational materials in class whereas in India it is mainly the chapter from the book they mostly focus on."

Headteacher Bob Merrell said although the two schools are far apart geographically they are united by the belief that all children can achieve.

Mr Merrell said six teachers have visited GEMS and five teachers from India have visited Oldfield Brow Primary School.

He added: "The children from both schools are at the centre of the project and through it their understanding, values and knowledge of the world has been greatly enhanced."

Mr Merrell also said both establishments will soon be taking advantage of improved Internet access between the two schools.

"We will soon be using Skype so that the children can learn even more about each other through the months to come."

Many of the pupils at Oldfield Brow want to visit GEMS and India.