Cammeray Public School played host to visiting students from Japan’s bilingual Horizon Sendai School, giving them a dose of education Australian-style.

Acting Principal Victor Tan said his students were so excited to practice the little Japanese they knew and to show the visitors their school.

“They couldn't wait to show the Japanese students around their school and what they're proud of,” Mr Tan said. “Many of them told me they couldn't wait for today.”

An excited school captain, Year 6 student Danielle, said it was fun having the other students in their school.

“I instantly wanted to be friends with the people in my class, so they sat on our table, and they contributed to the class work we did and interacted with everyone during those activities,” she said.

Visiting Year 6 student Ryo enjoyed the lessons, which he found similar to those at home, but noted the environment was quite different.

“There are many trees, one giant garden and many plants here; it’s amazing,” he said.

“And the culture is different from our country.”

The difference in cultures was also noted by the teaching staff, with Mr Tan commenting on how polite the Japanese students were.

“Our children have a different approach, but there's lessons to be learned from both these cultures about how to teach,” he said.

“It also shows how important school context is and the context of the country that you belong to.”

Visiting Head of School, Huseyin Samirtkan said despite the differences, there were very many similarities.

“Our school values are very much aligned with Cammeray Public School, such as respect being one of your school values. We have that as well, and we also share the value of doing your personal best,” he said.

Having taught in Japan for over 17 years, Sensei Samirtkan said the trip to Australia had been a real pleasure as well as a learning experience for teachers and students alike.

“It's been a pleasure for me to see the students applying those good language skills they had learnt at school while being in Australia,” he said.

Like his student Ryo, Sensei Samirtkan was impressed by the use of the outdoor space at Cammeray.

“In Japan, we tend to be more inside when learning. Teaching and learning outside in the fresh air is very good for the mind,” he said.

Horizon Sendai School is a bilingual school in the Tohoku region in Miyagi prefecture. Students at the school spend at least 50% learning in English.