Year 13 students will have the opportunity to study in the USA, following a new agreement between the Government of Jersey, Hautlieu School, and the Superintendent of Oregon International School in Baker City, Oregon.
This week, the three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create an exchange programme to allow Year 13 students from Hautlieu School to spend a month studying at Oregon International School, while students from Oregon study in Jersey at the same time. Teachers from both schools will accompany their students on the programme.
The exchange programme will allow students from each school to continue their education whilst experiencing the cultural and historic highlights of each region. The first placements will take place this September, with more opportunities expected to follow in the future.
Hautlieu students will be able to apply for a place on the programme during the Summer Term. Financial support will be available to ensure that this opportunity is accessible to all Year 13 students at the school.
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: “This is another exciting opportunity for our students to experience a different culture and educational setting. Students in the year group will have the opportunity to apply regardless of financial status and they will be selected fairly and appropriately.
“This new partnership is a big step in making sure our young people have the opportunity to experience new and exciting challenges in a wonderful location, and we look forward to welcoming the students from Oregon when they arrive in here in Jersey in September”.
Minister for External Relations and Financial Services, Senator Ian Gorst, added: “I am pleased to see education become a further part of our growing relationship with the United States. Educational partnerships such as these are an excellent demonstration of the expanding international reach and connectivity of our Island.”
Superintendent of Baker School District and Executive Director of Oregon International School, Mark Witty, said: “We look forward to all the opportunities this collaboration will afford. These relationships support an education of excellence for the future generation, with wide-reaching benefits we are excited to watch unfold.”
The main picture shows Hautlieu School headteacher Nick Falle signing the MOU.