MORE than 120 foreign teachers employed at schools in Kent attended a reception organised by KCC to help them get to know each other and to learn more about the county. Some of the teachers, who come from countries including Australia, Canada, USA, France and South Africa, have been in Kent for up to six years.

Among them was Tom Fisher from New York, who is teaching history at Valley Park Community School in Huntsman Lane, Maidstone. He said: "I chose Kent because it is the Garden of England. I'm close to Europe and to London and I've spent the first few weeks of my time here investigating the history of the areas I'm teaching about. It's presenting me with a challenge to teach well, but differently."

Gillian Palmer, from Western Australia, has taken a post at Oak Trees Primary School, Oak Tree Avenue, Maidstone. She said: "I am reminded of home at this school. The staff are very supportive and it's a friendly place. There's very little difference between what is taught in schools in Australia and the UK but the system is not as structured back home."

Also at the meeting were Taks Chihwayi, from Zimbabwe, now teaching in Broadstairs, Laure Malfondet from France, teaching in Dartford, and Matt Tiernan from New Zealand, teaching in Ashford.

Cllr Christopher Thornton (Con), Kent County Council chairman, said: "We're very proud to welcome so many teachers from abroad and particularly pleased that so many have specifically chosen to come to Kent. We can offer teachers from this country and abroad a wealth of opportunity. Thousands of our children will benefit from the wide scope gained from learning from foreign teachers."