International Opportunities for Schools

The British Council

• The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations

• More than 70 years experience in public diplomacy

• Offices in 109 countries• Building lasting relationships;

broadening the UK’s world view

Partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in other countries are a powerful and exciting way of bringing a global dimension into the lives of young

people and teachers and of enhancing the teaching of languages

Funded by DCSF, EU and FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth office)

DCSF – programmes support• National Languages Strategy• DfES International Strategy

(International School Award and the Global Gateway)- Every English pupil will have an international experience while at school- Every English school and college will establish a sustainable partnership with an equivalent by 2010

EU – programmes support• Lifelong Learning Programme including Comenius

FCO – programmes support• Connecting Classrooms school partnerships support UK

governments public diplomacy (promoting intercultural dialogue)

Other UK government policies the international dimension can support• Revised KS3 Curriculum from 2008

Development of a big picture of the curriculum that includes sustainable futures and the global dimension, cultural diversity and identity and community and civic participation

• National Languages Strategy and entitlement to language learning for every pupil in key stage 2 by 2010 (56% now). Every child at Key Stage 2 to study a foreign language and develop their interest in the culture of other nations. High quality teaching and learning to make use of native speakers and e-learning.

• Community Cohesion StandardsCurriculum content contributes to an appreciation of cultural diversity and challenges prejudice, bias and stereotypeThe mainstream curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to learn about and become involved in the life of their communities

The British Council can

• Help you find a partner school/cluster/LA overseas

• Support you in developing a successful international partnership

• Give you access to online resources and webspaces

• Give you a grant to support activity• Give you professional development opportunities• Give you access to accreditation

What is Connecting Classrooms?British Council Connecting Classrooms builds lasting partnerships between groups of schools in the UK and around the world.

Through these partnerships, the programme develops

trust and understanding between different

communities, and gives young people the skills and

cultural awareness they need to live and work in a

global society.

Connecting Classrooms

is characterised

by three principles.

Aiming to bring about systemic change by working with ministries, government

agencies and curriculum bodies worldwide

Working to embed the international dimension in the culture and ethos of schools involved

Reaching millions through strategic links, media

partnerships, networks and high profile events

Scope & dissemination:

Sustainability:

Systemic impact:

Connecting Classrooms has

three core components which

will be delivered worldwide.

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

Collaborative Curriculum Projects

RECOGNITION

International School Award

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

To embed the international dimension

Next

Collaborative curriculum projects

Enable learners to

interact across

Geographical

boundaries

to enhance their

understanding of each

others societies,

languages and cultures.Back

Professional development

To enable teachersand school leaders tobuild capacity, support,international partnerships and embed the international dimension within the culture and ethos of the schools involved.

Back

Recognition

Schools that participate in Connecting

Classrooms become eligible for the

International School Award, recognising the school’s commitment to

forming international partnerships and

developing global citizens

Back

In order to respond to different educational priorities around the

world, Connecting Classrooms also

offers flexibility through a unique

menu of additional options.

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

Core:

Collaborative Curriculum

Projects

RECOGNITION

Core:

International School Award

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Core:

To embed the international dimension

Global Citizen Award

International Teacher Award

International Leader Award

Community Action Projects

Language Projects

Bilateral Leadership Programme

Coaching and Mentoring

Students as

Leaders

Arts Projects

www.britishcouncil.org/connectingclassrooms