THE way children are taught to read at a primary school in Chipping Sodbury is now on the curriculum at impoverished schools in west Africa.

The phonics system of sounding out words used at Raysfield Infants School is being taught to hundreds of poor children in the Gambia, following a visit by headteacher Alison Wood. Mrs Wood, who before taking up her first headship at Raysfield was literacy co-ordinator for South Gloucestershire Council, was approached by two Swedish teachers writing a book on phonics and was asked help with the English for their learning system.

"They were working in Gambia and said to me you’ll have to come out with us one day, but I never thought I would actually go," she said.

"I knew it was going to be a wonderful experience. It really opened my eyes and I was amazed at how happy the people were.

"The children have a real thirst for learning."

Mrs Wood visited a number of different schools and villages where she taught children phonics, talked to families and advised teachers.

She also worked with international charity Future in our Hands, which is trying to ensure all children receive an education in Africa.

"Due to help from organisations like Future in our Hands, most children in Gambia now attend school," said Mrs Wood. "But I was staggered by the lack of resources like pencils and paper and especially books.

"I was told that the summer floods often wash these away if they aren’t eaten by termites first."

During her visit, Mrs Wood set up a partnership between Pallol School in a remote area of Gambia and Raysfield Infant and Junior schools, which she hopes to continue for many years.

Before leaving for the 10-day trip, Mrs Wood compiled a list of 100 questions her own pupils at Raysfield wanted to ask their Gambian counterparts.

"When I knew I was going I wanted to make others feel involved," she said. "I asked a boy what makes you happy and he said we all care about eachother and help eachother.

"When you ask what would make them happier, they all the same – education and opportunity."

She also delivered hundreds of paintings made by pupils at Raysfield infants and pre-school. The infant and junior schools, as well as Tyndale Primary School in Yate, raised money by coming to school in their glad rags and teachers, friends and family made pledges in a ‘brave or bonkers’ book. In total, Mrs Wood raised £1,700 which will be used to build a new library at Pallol School.