Students from Rossett School have had a unique insight into the build-up to the American Presidential election.
The Year 8 students spent two weeks visiting their exchange partners in Falmouth, Maine, just days before votes were cast.
The trip marked the 30th anniversary of the exchange programme between Rossett and Falmouth Middle School.
Teacher Luke Blackburn said:
It was a fascinating time to visit America and to see election fever as it reached its peak.
During the trip we visited Portland City Hall and the state capital, Augusta, to learn about how democracy and voting works. It was interesting to look at the difference in the way the system is set up compared to the UK, and I was impressed by the way all the students engaged with the local history and politics.
A lot of the Americans we met asked us how we felt about Brexit, and and shared their views on the presidential battle in their own country.
The British students stayed with their exchange partners’ families, getting to know local culture and traditions as a result. Some of them were treated to trips on boats, visits to orchards and even to New York City.
The final two days were spent in Boston, learning about the history of New England and the American Revolution, which led to the foundations of the United States governing principles that exist today.
Student Sophie Poole said:
I had a fantastic time on the American Exchange.
It was really fun staying with my exchange partner and finding out how they and their family live. There are a lot of similarities with life in Britain, but it was also different in many ways.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the exchange group again next year when they come to Rossett.
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