Pupils at a Putney-based pre school are participating in an innovative transatlantic partnership with the highly-prestigious Wetherby-Pembridge New York, also part of the Alpha Plus Group of schools.

Excited Year 1 and 2 children from Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School recently enjoyed the launch of the new initiative in which both schools communicated via video to undertake a variety of creative joint projects.

To kick-start the venture, Peregrines pupils created an educational, historical piece of film of them acting out the Gun Powder plot. This taught their American friends all about the English tradition of Bonfire Night and why it came about. In exchange, the children at Peregrines enjoyed watching imaginative footage from Wetherby-Pembridge about American Thanks Giving.

Taking inspiration from their media exchange from across the ocean, the young learners crafted and wrote labels to people who they are thankful for to show their gratitude.

The innovative project is set to continue with more joint ventures including inter-house competitions, Skype calls, and a pen pal scheme.

Headmistress at Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School, Sara Williams-Ryan, commented: “The pupils were very excited to transmit and receive their first video exchanges; it has been inspiring to see them so keen to learn and understand other cultures and traditions, all whilst using technology.

“Working with and developing such a positive relationship with another school in the group has been rewarding and we are looking forward to seeing how the partnership continues to flourish.”