Oakbank School head-teacher John Roberts will today jet off on a fact-finding mission to Japan.

Mr Roberts and two other heads will fly to Tokyo and spend a fortnight touring the country as representatives of the Foreign Office.

On his return Mr Roberts will link Oakbank students and teachers with Japanese counterparts for joint projects, computer discussions and exchange visits.

Prime minister Tony Blair has designated 1998 as a special year to link up the two countries through education, art and sport.

Mr Roberts' delegation will visit secondary and specialist schools as well as a school for the blind. The heads will also talk with local government leaders, shadow Japanese heads and see the sights.

One object of the visit is to gather information on Japanese educational practices that could be useful in Britain.

Mr Roberts will have to submit a report on his findings to the British and Japanese governments.

He hopes Oakbank will link up with a Japanese senior school by sending e-mails and swapping information on common issues such as transport, pollution and industrial development.

Oakbank's 13-year-olds already study Japan, and a Japanese graduate spent three months in the school last term.

School news, page 9

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