A GROUP of 37 exchange students from Matsuzaka High School in the Mie province of Japan were welcomed at Maidenhill School last week.

The students, aged 14 to 16, stayed with Maidenhill pupils’ families and other hosts in the Stroud area.

During the week they took part in language lessons and collaborated with students in British and Japanese themed workshops which explored cultural identities.

Maidenhill head teacher Pam Wilson, said: “This has been an amazing experience for the whole school. The memories of this visit from Matsuzaka High School will, I am sure, last much longer than this one week.

“The warmth and friendship offered by our students has been reciprocated by our enthusiastic Japanese visitors. It has been a resounding success for both schools.”

During their time as Maidenhill, Japanese students led assemblies sharing insights into their home town and culture, and gave demonstrations on calligraphy, origami and Japanese art.

Year 10 student Annabel Popps said: “I really liked talking to my buddy and helping her throughout her stay, taking her to lessons.

“I also liked the workshops, especially origami where I learned to make a crane.”

Each morning Japanese students attended English lessons to learn spelling and grammar, and a tea and cake workshop saw Japanese students being taught to make Victoria Sponge, who in turn treated Maidenhill students to Japanese porridge and rice balls.

The Japanese pupils also enjoyed visits London, Oxford and Stratford before they waved goodbye to their new friends on Friday.

Year 11 pupil Lily Atkinson said: “I have really enjoyed having the Japanese students at Maidenhill as I have learned so much about their culture.

“Getting to know my buddy and learning about their life has been an experience I will never forget.”