NEW friendships are being forged and barriers broken as schools in Bolton partner up to create a society in which gender, race and cultures are celebrated and respected.

A number of schools in the borough are taking part in a connecting classroom project where two are linked together so children can learn from each other and break down cultural and religious barriers to create a society, say teachers, in which everyone is respected.

The scheme is different from the British Council connecting classrooms, as rather than linking up with schools abroad, it brings schools in the community together.

Pikes Lane Primary School and Tonge Moor Primary have partnered up, with year three children just having completed a meet and greet session in Bolton College.

They used the modern facilities including the catering department, beauty area and also in the automotive centre.

Year three teacher Sue Cummins said: “The children are really excited about the project.

“They started by exchanging school jumpers and photographs of the class before they met up and took part in activities in the college.”

She added: “The two schools are not that far apart but the intake is very different in terms of culture and beliefs.

“The project is about strengthening community links with the children learning about each other’s different beliefs and cultures.”

Pikes Lane Primary came onboard at the start of the academic term and throughout the year, children will explore the questions: “Who am I?”; “Who are we?” and “How we live together?”

The youngsters have been busy describing who they are, their interests and hobbies for a display as part of exploring their identity.

In the future, children will visit each other schools and contact their new found friends via email and letters.

Mrs Cummins said: “We want the children to live in society where people get on with each other regardless of race, gender and culture.

“For these children it is so important because they are living in a global world and could grow up to work and live anywhere in the world.”

She added: “We are hoping that the children will make new friends, take part in activities together, get involved with each other’s school blogs, and share and learn about each other.

“The children are really enjoying the project and it will go on throughout the year.”

Mrs Cummins said that the youngsters were already looking forward to showcasing their school.

Year three pupil Faris Mohammed said: '"I had lots of fun and made new friends.

" I did construction and built a house for insects and a car.

"I loved it."

Classmate Rahimah Hassan added: 'I enjoyed Connecting Classroom,s because I met lots of new

friends."