Last week, 18 German pupils from Frost in the Spree-Neisse county in Germany arrived in East Lothian for a little taste of Scottish work experience. Some went out to work in local schools and some at East Lothian Council HQ.The pupils visited Dunbar Grammar, North Berwick High School, Knox Academy and Kings Meadow Primary School in Haddington where they took part in classroom activities.  The remaining pupils spent their work experience in Haddington at the Council offices, where they worked between three departments. 

They were able to experience life within the Human Resources Team, the Law and Licensing Team and also the Public Relations Team.The pupils enjoyed their time spent in the community and thanked East Lothian Council for being so helpful throughout their week of work. 
The German pupils were housed at Innerwick and bussed to their various workplaces.Their work experience week was intended to extend their knowledge within the workplace and also to improve their practical abilities.  Many of the pupils agreed that the week was very interesting and expanded their knowledge. 

They would also be very willing to take part in another exchange in the near future.The foreign exchange between East Lothian and Spree-Neisse councils has been happening since 2002 and Higher German pupils at Dunbar Grammar have also been travelling to Forst to take part in a week-long work experience in Spree-Neisse Council offices.  Students from Ross High and North Berwick High School have also begun to get involved in the exciting project.  Dunbar Grammar School is hoping to investigate the possibility of carrying out more projects between younger pupils at Dunbar and Forst in the coming year.

Education and Children’s Services Convener Peter MacKenzie says:‘This exchange scheme offers students a wonderful opportunity to build their language skills and get first-hand experience of another culture.  ‘It was a real pleasure having the German students and I know our students here are looking forward to making another trip to Spree-Neisse soon.’