International

Educational Partnership with Schools in Sichuan Province, China

Our school has developed a highly valued international partnership with schools in the Sichuan Province of China, built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared passion for learning.

Members of our staff have visited schools in the region to explore the similarities and differences between our education systems and cultures, gaining valuable insight into teaching approaches and classroom practice. A key focus of these visits has been professional development, including the study of innovative methods such as Shanghai Maths, strengthening teaching and learning across our school.  These visits also play an important role in developing long-term relationships between our schools and both countries, laying the foundations for future pupil exchange opportunities. Staff and pupils in China have been exceptionally welcoming, and every visit has been an inspiring and memorable experience.

We are equally proud to host annual visits from Chinese primary and lower secondary pupils, who spend a week or more working alongside our own children in lessons. These visiting pupils are fully immersed in English language, teaching, and British culture, while our own pupils gain invaluable first-hand experience of international friendship, communication, and cultural exchange.  Through this partnership, our pupils develop confidence, curiosity, and global awareness. Most importantly, these shared experiences foster collaboration, friendship, language development, and deep cultural understanding between our schools and nations.

Residential Visits to the Opal Coast, France

Our pupils enjoy an unforgettable residential experience on the beautiful Opal Coast in France, where they stay in a stunning château set within a peaceful rural landscape of rolling countryside, quaint villages, and colourful local markets.

Accommodation is provided in a modern barn conversion, offering a comfortable and welcoming base for our pupils as they explore the surrounding area. During their stay, children take part in a wide range of exciting and educational activities, including visits to a goat farm, chocolate making, exploring local bakeries, and discovering the region’s rich history through visits to museums and historic buildings. Throughout the visit, pupils are fully immersed in French language and culture, giving them the chance to practise their communication skills in real-life situations while developing confidence and independence. These experiences provide powerful learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The benefits of this residential are felt by both children and staff. Pupils grow socially and emotionally, form stronger friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime, while staff have the opportunity to deepen relationships with pupils and support their personal development in a unique and rewarding environment.

This visit remains a highlight of the school year and plays a key role in enriching our curriculum and broadening our pupils’ horizons.

Supporting Ceesay Nursery School, The Gambia 

Teachers and Premises Manager Michael Rivers were proud to be part of a seven-strong team that visited the Ceesay Nursery School Charity in The Gambia, helping to support the development of education for young children in the local community.

During the visit, the team worked closely with local staff, providing teacher training and developing a long-term action plan to support the growth of the school. This plan focuses on building the school from the ground up over the next five to six years, ensuring that the project is sustainable and able to support future generations of pupils.  At the time of the visit, Ceesay Nursery School was operating from a small rented building, providing education for 28 children, each sponsored with £100 per year by supporters from around the UK and across the world, including the USA and Australia. With growing interest and support, the number of pupils is expected to rise to more than 40 children in the coming years.  This project has given our staff and pupils a powerful insight into global education and the importance of community, cooperation, and compassion. It reflects our commitment to making a positive difference both locally and internationally.

Partnership with Schools in Bavaria, Germany

We are proud to maintain a long-standing and highly valued partnership with schools in Bavaria, Germany, which began with our first visit in 2012. Since then, this relationship has grown into a close collaboration built on shared learning, mutual respect, and lasting friendships.

Our partner schools, including Mittelschule Scheßlitz and Kilianschule, have worked with us on a wide range of inspiring joint projects over the years. These have included initiatives focused on healthy schools, the creation of a food garden, and hands-on experiences in beekeeping, giving pupils meaningful opportunities to learn about sustainability, environmental responsibility, and healthy living in an international context.  Each year, both staff and pupil exchange visits take place between our schools. These visits are eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. They provide our pupils with the chance to experience another culture first-hand, develop confidence and independence, practise language skills, and build friendships that extend far beyond the classroom.  The partnership has had a lasting impact on our school community. Through collaboration and shared experiences, our pupils gain a deeper understanding of the world, broaden their perspectives, and develop important personal and social skills. Most importantly, the relationship between our schools continues to flourish through cooperation, learning, and genuine friendship.

Our Partnership with Accra and Tema, Ghana

Charlton Manor Primary School is proud to maintain a strong and meaningful relationship with partner schools in Ghana, which forms an important part of our international learning programme.

Through this partnership, our pupils have taken part in live Skype sessions with children in Ghana, giving them valuable opportunities to compare life in both countries and to learn about each other’s school experiences and local communities. These exchanges support the development of global awareness and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Our international work has been strongly supported by GUBA (Grow, Unite, Build, Africa) - an organisation dedicated to promoting understanding and positive relationships between Britain and Ghana. We are especially grateful for the long-standing support of Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, CEO of GUBA, whose commitment and guidance have enriched our programme over many years.  With this expertise and support, members of staff have taken part in international visits to Ghana, volunteering in local schools and contributing to a range of social enterprise projects. These experiences enhance our curriculum, strengthen our global outlook and support our pupils in becoming informed, respectful and responsible global citizens.

Supporting Nepal Mary Child Help Center, Kathmandu

Our school has proudly supported the Nepal Mary Child Help Center, an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal, for many years. This partnership is very close to our hearts and reflects our strong commitment to compassion, global responsibility, and community involvement.

Charlton Manor actively supports the orphanage through fundraising and awareness activities. Staff members have visited Nepal to deliver much-needed resources for the children and to present a £1,000 donation, raised by our pupils through cake sales and other fundraising events. Our children take great pride in knowing that their efforts make a real difference to the lives of others.  We are also fortunate to receive wonderful support from members of our own Nepalese community, who help strengthen this connection and enrich our school’s understanding of Nepalese culture and traditions. This partnership provides meaningful benefits for both staff and pupils, helping to develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Through this long-standing relationship, our pupils learn that even small actions can have a powerful impact - both locally and globally.

Partnership with Leona Štuklja Primary School, Maribor, Slovenia

Our Year 6 pupils have developed a wonderful partnership with Leona Štuklja Primary School in Maribor, Slovenia, building strong relationships through regular Skype calls and shared learning experiences.

Through this collaboration, pupils have explored the language, geography, and culture of both the UK and Slovenia, gaining a deeper understanding of life in another country and discovering both the similarities and differences between their everyday experiences. These exchanges have encouraged curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning while strengthening communication and digital skills.  The partnership has provided valuable opportunities for pupils to work together across borders, fostering friendship, collaboration, and respect for different cultures. Our pupils benefit greatly from these experiences as they develop global awareness, broaden their perspectives, and gain a sense of belonging to an international community.

This project continues to enrich our curriculum and plays an important role in preparing our pupils to become open-minded, informed, and responsible global citizens.

International Partnership with Scuola La Traccia, Italy

We are proud to be developing a meaningful international relationship with Scuola La Traccia in Italy, giving our pupils the opportunity to connect, communicate, and learn alongside students from another European country. 

So far, our collaboration has included Skype calls, video exchanges, and traditional letter writing, allowing students to practise communication skills while learning about each other’s cultures and daily lives. During a recent lesson, we explored Scuola La Traccia’s school website together. Pupils discovered where the school is located and shared their own experiences of travel, with some having previously visited London.  We also introduced key aspects of British geography and culture. Pupils learned why Greenwich is such an important place, including the significance of the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and its connection to global time zones. Many students impressed us with their knowledge and enthusiasm during the discussion. They were particularly excited to learn about the UK school system, including school uniforms, house systems, and traditions such as “Star of the Week.”

Looking ahead, our pupils will soon work in groups to prepare presentations on:

Daily routines and a typical school day

• Our school and its community

• Our geographical location

• Traditions, including songs and traditional recipes

 In the final two Tuesdays before Christmas, pupils will created Christmas cards to send to our partner school, along with a special “Christmas Tradition Pack” and a collection of videos on the topics above. We hope to continue enriching this partnership with virtual conversations and further video exchanges, helping our pupils build confidence, cultural awareness, and lasting international friendships.