INFANTS at Bournemouth’s newest primary school have learned to count to ten in a whole new language.

The four and five year-olds from Avonwood Primary received a special Portuguese lesson from A-level students who attend sister school Avonbourne Sixth Form.

Three sixth formers, who are all studying Portuguese at A-level, visited the primary school to teach the youngsters the basics of the language.

And they chose Portuguese because one of the primary school pupil’s family originally comes from Portugal.

Sixth former, Jhullya Vieira, said: “We gave a Portuguese lesson to the primary school students because Avonbourne is an International College and it’s an important part of our identity.

“We also like volunteering and this gave us a wonderful insight into what it’s like to be a primary school teacher.”

The sixth formers started their lesson by teaching the children to count because it is easier for them to learn and pronounce. They also devised games that the children could play while learning an intricate language. As well as this special Portuguese lesson, the pupils at Avonwood are also receiving weekly French lessons from one of Avonbourne College’s teachers – who is a native French speaker.

Avonwood Primary opened in September as an extension of the education provision offered by the Avonbourne Trust, which includes Avonbourne College (girls 11-16), Harewood College (boys 11-16) and Avonbourne Sixth Form.