Fairfax Academy and Rahn Education launch a cross-border exchange celebrating sister city ties.
Fairfax Academy in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is working on an exciting international collaboration with the Musikalisch-Sportliches Gymnasium der Rahn Education, a secondary school in Leipzig, Germany. This initiative celebrates the long-standing sister city relationship between Birmingham and Leipzig, bringing students and teachers together across borders to promote cultural exchange, global learning, and language exchanges.
The initiative was led by Laura Kassebeer and Brigitte Fuhrmann, two teachers from Rahn Education in Leipzig with a strong commitment to language education and international collaboration. Laura is the Head of English Department and Brigitte is the Head of the Social Studies Department and teaches English.
Building connections across borders
Laura and Brigitte reached out to Fairfax Academy, seeking to establish meaningful connections with a British school. After reviewing the values and ethos of Fairfax, they felt it was the perfect match and contacted the headteacher to propose to work together.
In June, Laura and Brigitte visited Fairfax Academy, where they were warmly welcomed by Jonathan Young, Subject Leader for German. The meeting was filled with enthusiasm and mutual respect, with brochures and gifts exchanged. The positive atmosphere and shared values laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between the two schools.
Building on this positive first meeting, Jonathan Young visited Rahn Education in Leipzig during the summer. The visit deepened the relationship and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
Next steps in the exchange
Starting in October and November, students from both schools will begin online sessions. Language ambassadors from Fairfax will present their school to German pupils of the same age group, while German students will share video messages introducing themselves. Plans are also underway for joint virtual lessons, allowing students to learn from and with each other across borders.
This partnership not only strengthens the cultural and educational ties between Birmingham and Leipzig but also offers students a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and develop global friendships.
“We are delighted to celebrate the international collaboration between Fairfax Academy and Musikalisch-Sportliches Gymnasium der Rahn Education. Partnerships like this provide our students with a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons, share cultural experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This connection reflects our commitment to nurturing global citizens who learn, grow, and inspire one another across borders.”
Mr Sean Castle, Principal Of Fairfax Academy
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