A TEACHER who spent her summer holiday in the company of an African tribal queen is sharing her experiences with pupils.

Shelagh McFarlane, a teacher at The Meadows, in Spennymoor, travelled to South Africa for five weeks, to act as an education advisor to a local senior school.

While she was there she also sampled the country's traditional lifestyle and culture.

She hopes to pass on some of her learning to students at the school, which caters for 11 to 16 year-olds with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

She said: "I had an incredible time. Schools out there are so different. Pupils walk about 12 miles to and from school, which they have to pay for. And when they get there, a small number of the teachers don't turn up to lessons because they don't feel like it.

"I hope I was able to help Tutor Ndamase School by pointing out how some things could be done more professionally. I've certainly got a lot out of the trip myself to bring back to The Meadows.

"With having first-hand experience of life in a different culture I can make international studies more interesting and compelling for pupils here."

Headteacher George Harris said the school was trying to broaden the minds of its 50 pupils by expanding its international studies, which helps to tackle racial prejudice.

Mr Harris said: "Miss McFarlane's visit was good for her personally and professionally, and also develops new community links for the school.

"I hope that when the pupils learn about her time in Africa, pupils will realise how privileged they are, their views of people of different race will change for the better and they will appreciate other cultures."

The school has also secured funding to take part in a teacher exchange with academics from Estonia, which will also enhance its multi-cultural initiative.