FOUR headteachers are making a ground-breaking visit to China to outline a new approach to primary school teaching.

David Fry, of Finchale Primary School, Dorothy Brennan, of Langley Park Primary School, Jill Gleghorn, of Blue Coat Junior School, Newton Hall, and Brian Lowes, of Ouston Junior School, all County Durham, will spend next week's half-term holiday in Hong Kong and Beijing, in China.

They will link up with four schools in Beijing, and receive training for using computer software, in Hong Kong.

During their stay they will also investigate a system of developing children's research skills, citizenship and creativity, using information technology.

Maureen Bennett, an education advisor with Durham County Council, helped to set up the project using computer software to assess which research skills are being used by pupils, then supporting them in their further learning.

Mr Fry said teachers were well aware of the benefits of involving youngsters in research studies.

"Investigating projects of interest has more meaning for pupils and there is greater connectivity between lessons in different subjects."

Children from different Chinese schools are being brought together to find subjects of shared interest which are then investigated through e-communication between pupils and teachers.

Mr Fry said it helps to develop the children's skills working with software, a benefit already witnessed in schools in County Durham.

In preparation for the visit, the headteachers, have been learning the rudiments of the language, as well as learning about the country's culture.

They fly to China on Friday for the ten-day visit.