A 'SPANISH inquisition' of a different kind took place when representatives from a Bolton primary school visited their counterparts in Malaga.

Headteacher Jack Hatch and deputy head Mrs June Roberts, from St Bede CE Primary School, were on a fact-finding mission as part of their involvement in the European Community's Socrates Project.

The school has been part of the project since last spring when it began to develop links with two others in Finland and Spain.

The aim is to encourage schools to form international partnerships to advance the international and European dimension in education. In the summer St Bede received a visit from four members of its partner school in Spain - the 'Colegio Veintiseis de Febrero' - and Mr Hatch and Mrs Roberts were joined on their return to Malaga by representatives from the Finnish school, 'Myllypuron Ala Asteen Koulu'.

Staff of the three schools worked on the final draft of their bid to the EC for funding for a project which will develop teaching materials to be used in all three schools.

Mr Hatch explained: "The potential to develop a clearer understanding of different cultures and environments is immense. Nearly all the subjects of the British National Curriculum will be involved and the children will have real tangible experiences to build their learning around. "It is hoped that eventually all the schools will have a presence on the Internet and the children and staff will communicate via Email and their home page sites. The possibilities are endless.

"St Bede's already has its own home page on the Internet and the older children already use Email to communicate with other schools and universities in Britain."

During the visit the delegation visited the regional Ministry of Education, the Local Government offices and the Unicaja Bank, which funds part of the budget of the Spanish school. The group also visited the faculty of the University of Malaga which is responsible for teacher training.

Mr Hatch added: "The idea was to give the group an insight into the culture, history and geography of the region which will form part of the project.

"It is hoped that next year representatives of the three schools will all meet in Helsinki."

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