A GROUP of Japanese students spent the day with pupils from a Kidderminster secondary school, who helped them to improve their English and learn how their school lives differ.

During the day, the 38 students from Reitaku Junior and Senior High School in Tokyo had breakfast with their Wolverley CE Secondary School partners, before enjoying a tour of the school and attending two lessons, which included English, Drama, Dance and PRSE.

The last part of the day saw the Reitaku High School students teach their Wolverley peers some traditional Japanese games and put on a performance which showcased cultural aspects including singing and karate.

Thomas Brimson, year 10 student at Wolverley, said: “I really enjoyed having a Japanese visitor because I learnt a whole a lot about new culture and the Japanese way of life.

“My partner was called Mashahiro and I showed him around the school and explained what it was like to be a student here. He then spent half of the day in my lessons and he settled in well.

“Finally, we went to a workshop they had prepared for us including games and activities. All of us really enjoyed it.”

Bryn Thomas, head teacher at Wolverley CE Secondary School, said: ““The day was a learning experience for both sets of students. As the school year for the pupils from Reitaku Junior and Senior High School begins in April, this trip was an end of year celebration for them and it was a pleasure having them spend the day with us.

“It was great to see our students interacting with their new Japanese friends so well by helping them to improve their English, and I hope that we will be able to welcome more students from Reitaku High School in the future.”