Why a Buenos Aires trip is shaping Connah’s Quay High School plans
Senior leaders from Connah’s Quay High School have returned from an international delegation to Argentina, where they visited schools across Buenos Aires to strengthen global partnerships and explore new opportunities for learners.
The visit was organised with the Global School Alliance and brought together headteachers and senior leaders from across the UK.
Headteacher James Forber, Senior Assistant Headteacher Kelly Davis and International Coordinator Liz Threadgold spent the week visiting the school’s partner institution, Westminster School, along with three other Argentinian schools.
The delegation focused on leadership collaboration, curriculum development and expanding international opportunities.
Reflecting on the visit, staff described the experience as both “professionally enriching and personally life-changing.”
“The warm welcome we received from every school was unforgettable,” said Headteacher James Forber. “Leadership teams opened their doors to us with genuine hospitality, and the gratitude shown when we attempted to converse in Spanish was heart-warming. It reminded us of the importance of cultural humility and global citizenship.”
The team highlighted the confidence of Argentinian learners who spoke English as a second language.
Their approach to language learning has already influenced plans at Connah’s Quay High School, including increased promotion of Spanish within the curriculum and future language-immersion opportunities.
Another part of the visit included time at a traditional Argentinian ranch, which the team described as “breathtaking”. Activities were planned and personalised for visiting groups.
Staff noted the warmth of the hosts, the richness of the culture and the abundance of food.
“Experiences like these help us reflect deeply on what we want our own learners to gain from international trips,” said Kelly Davis. “We want them to experience authentic culture, develop confidence, and build meaningful global relationships.”
While in Buenos Aires, the team also took part in discussions on leadership, curriculum design and learner development.
Conversations with Argentinian school leaders offered comparisons between the two education systems and ideas for learner leadership, wider international links and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Since returning, the school has begun shaping new initiatives influenced by the visit.
These include expanding Spanish language learning, planning future language-immersion experiences, strengthening student leadership structures and developing ongoing collaborative projects with Westminster School and other partners.
“Professionally, this was an invaluable opportunity to reflect on our own practice,” said Liz Threadgold. “Personally, it has been a life-changing experience. We have formed strong relationships with both British and Argentinian colleagues, and we are committed to continuing this work to give our learners the best possible global opportunities.”
Connah’s Quay High School plans to continue working with its partner schools throughout the year, with early discussions already taking place for a future visit involving learners.
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