2013-2016

10 May 2014, Colomob Hilton

ContentsContents

ContentsContents

Contents

Message from the Britsh Council CountryDirector, Keith Davies

International School Award (ISA)

ISA Case Studies

ISA Award Winners

ISA Assessment panel

Overview of “Connecting Classrooms” Programme

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Contents

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Message from theBritsh Council Country Director, Keith Davies

Creating international opportunities for the people in the UK and other countries and building trust and a stronger relationship between them is at the heart of the British Council mission. We work in the areas of English, Arts, Education and Society to achieve this -supporting the aspirations of young people and the development of organisations and countries.

Much of our work is with schools and one of our most important programmes is called 'Connecting Classrooms' – a global education programme delivered by the British Council and UK Aid. Connecting Classrooms supports teachers and school leaders in over 50 countries and aims to create an enriching teaching-learning experience whilst developing young people as global citizens. I am delighted that our work with schools through this programme touches all parts of Sri Lanka including over 350 schools across all nine provinces.

The programme combines opportunities for face to face interaction for pupils and teachers around the world and increasingly utilises ICT and digital media to allow schools, students, and teachers in Sri Lanka to engage, connect and interact with their counterparts in UK and other countries.

Schools that are active participants in the Connecting Classrooms programme can apply for accreditation in the form of the British Council’s International School Award (ISA). This year, we are proud to announce that 57 schools from Sri Lanka are being awarded ISA accreditation, having executed seven or more exciting international projects in their schools, which has brought an international dimension to students, teachers and their communities.

I warmly congratulate the award winners and appreciate the hard work required to achieve ISA accreditation.

I also extend my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the Provincial Education Authorities for the tremendous support given to the British Council to introduce ISA to Sri Lanka and for working together with us to implement it.

I am proud to say that 300 schools from all nine provinces of Sri Lanka will be working towards the prestigious ISA award next year, and that we will continue to support and assist them in shaping the next generation of global citizens.

Keith DaviesCountry Director. British Council Sri Lanka

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Are you a teacher looking for a way to engage young people in learning? Or are you a head teacher looking for a way to motivate members of staff and improve teaching and curriculum in your school? If so you should get involved with the International School Award.

The International School Award is THE principle, internationally recognised, accreditation scheme for schools that embed the global dimension in teaching and learning. It recognises educators’ valuable efforts in increasing global citizenship in young people and their ability to develop professionally by sharing methods with teachers in other countries.

There are two award levels available in Sri Lanka:

Intermediate Certificate

At this level schools will demonstrate that they are actively developing international work. This means they putting in place structures to support the initiative – such as nominating an international coordinator and finding schools in other countries with which to partner. By looking outside Sri Lanka, schools at this level will demonstrate that pupils and teachers are beginning to view their local and national context from different perspectives. This will bring an enhanced dimension to teaching and learning.

Full International School Award

To gain the Full International School Award, as well as showing commitment to this area through structures present in the school, the

coordinator will submit evidence of seven curriculum activities which demonstrate that pupils and teachers are aware of global issues and Sri Lanka’s place in the international context. They will demonstrate that positive action is taking place in response to what they know. For example, a teacher may introduce a new teaching method or curriculum content. Young people will feel empowered to make a positive difference to their community. Accreditation lasts three years, after which time you can apply for reaccreditation.

Benefits for young people include:

• increased understanding about other countries, cultures and global issues

• increased appreciation of one’s rights and responsibilities as a global citizen

• preparation for life and work in a global economy

Benefits for teachers include:

• increased understanding of other countries, their cultures and their education systems

• ability to develop an international dimension to learning and develop global skills and outlooks in young people

• improved teaching and curriculum by facilitating learning from practice in other countries

Get your school on the International School Award journey and gain the prestigious reputation you deserve!

For more information call us on (011) 4521521 orvisit: http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/accreditation-and-awards/International-School-Award

International School Award

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The British Council International School Award programme provided our school a golden opportunity to embed an international dimension to the school curriculum. The ISA also contributed towards the school development to a great extent, encouraging teachers and students and it improved our classroom teaching as well.

The British Council also provided Continuous Professional Development courses for the teachers to enhance the quality of our classroom teaching. It was an invaluable opportunity for the teachers since they gave us more professional training. The personal experience that we gained through this programme is immeasurable. The UK visit (through connecting classrooms) was a golden opportunity for me to experience the difference between two countries, the people and their ideas, their culture and especially the difference in the teaching methods of the two countries. I then shared those experiences with my staff and applied suitable and effective methods in our classrooms and teaching. This programme helped us to become competent teachers.

The projects added an international element to our students’ education. They were involved in many projects with schools from different countries around the world. They have developed their IT skills, communication skills and leadership qualities through this project. My students believe that they are gradually becoming real Global Citizens now.

The ISA is a learning journey and achieving the award does not mark the end of this journey. Our students, teachers and the school will remain engaged in international learning beyond the project period and will become real global citizens.

R. H. A. D. RanasinghaISA Co-ordinator

ISA case studies

A/ Ihalahalmillewa Maha Vidyalaya,Eppawela

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International School Award, introduced by British Council, made us part of a global programme. It brought us exciting and challenging experiences throughout all stages of the ISA journey; from planning to evaluation. Constant challenges were motivators for us to do better. We explored and identified new methods for joint curricular projects to involve more subject teachers. This gave us good opportunities to share efficient strategies in the classroom. We were able to get the participation of the entire student community in our schools through different methods of presentation of projects and meaningful activities.

The highlight of our ISA journey was evaluating the learning outcomes through different activities. It gave us a better understanding of our teaching and learning methods.

Working on schoolsonline (web site) helped us to share and practice with schools internationally. It was delightful to work with 11 different countries and learn from them and share experiences with those schools.

What students experienced

Working towards winning the award has indeed been an enriching journey for our students. These projects have developed their creative, critical thinking and co-operative learning skills. For instance, the students had firsthand experience of communicating via Skype, where they discussed about culture with an Indian school. Appreciations received from schools overseas motivated the students to work with more enthusiasm.

Finally, I would say that I personally feel blessed to have had this opportunity through ISA to interact, share, grow and above all make friends globally.

N. SudharshanaISA Co-ordinator

K/Kathiresan Central College,Nawalapitiya

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The International School Award programme paved the way for us to realize the international policy of our school. The opportunity to get linked with foreign schools and putting targeted projects of ISA in to actions was really exciting. We also got a wealth of experience from the SchoolsOnline website. Our students were able to get a unique experience by actively getting involved in lessons with their counterparts in another country simultaneously via the internet and they made good friends as well.

The projects carried out throughout the year helped immensely for teachers and students to get a lot of experiences and had a positive impact on their self-confidence and personality development. The practical know-how they received on the use of modern technology heightened their knowledge to a greater level which will be useful for their future endeavors.

These projects were of great value for my teaching career. I was able to get closer to my students and notice a change in their attitudes. The student classrooms became spaces for exhibiting student project work which encouraged the students to get involved even further. The Skype lessons we had were a new experience for our students and it was a great success. Global skills and

themes such as empathy, critical thinking, respecting and safe-grading human rights, communicating and creative thinking, were also communicated to the school community through these projects.

By Implementing ISA projects throughout the year with the co-operation of the school community, I was able to find avenues to serve our students better. It is my belief that this would be a fillip to my teaching carrier.

W. M. H. N. PiyabaniISA Co-ordinator

G/P.De S. Kularathne Maha Vidyalaya,Ambalangoda

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The ISA programme was a new experience to our school. As a school that was established recently, we were delighted to get the opportunity to work with the British Council. This programme created avenues for our students to add an international dimension to their education.

Connecting classroom projects motivated my students and me to think beyond boundaries and take steps to be responsible global citizens while respecting other cultures and traditions. My students can now understand their rights and responsibilities as global citizens and how global issues affect us all.

The students have understood the use of ICT to enhance their learning experience. The ISA projects opened their eyes towards new technologies and methods and brought the world to the classroom and it encouraged my students to develop as global citizens. Through these projects they also learnt about other cultures and traditions and about life in various countries and the issues those communities face.

ISA influenced not only my students’ lives but also my teaching career. It gave me an opportunity to work with my students and study simultaneously. The professional development courses gave me an insight into what international learning can do for me and my students. Through ISA, I was able to understand the education systems of other countries and the methodologies of teaching they use.

R. G. I. N. SamarawickramaISA Co-ordinator

Mahinda Rajapaksha College,Homagama

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We started our international activities in 2010 through the GSP programme with the guidance of the British Council. Since then we did a lot of interesting projects inculcating internationalism in our students, teachers and parents.

In 2013 we started work on ISA, developing partnerships between schools around the world. By now, we have partnered with more than fifteen schools from countries such as India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen and Pakistan. Our school is very active on the SchoolsOnline website and we have done 8 collaborative projects. We had 8 project spaces to exchange our students’ work on the website.

Working on SchoolsOnline is very effective. It provides us a space to upload our work and it’s a very quick and easy way of exchanging students’ work. Forums helped teachers to share their thoughts, and helped to design the work plan for projects. It also provides opportunities for discussions which were really effective in our collaborative work. Most of our projects were initiated with one partner school but more schools joined in as the projects progressed due to our work on the website.

Working on ISA provides opportunities, not only for coordinators but also for many teachers in the school to learn and do collaborative projects with other countries, which was a new experience to them. SchoolsOnline was another novel concept and teachers were made aware of the advantages of e-learning. Teachers were given opportunities to do online courses which helped them to develop an understanding of the global themes.

This programme also helped develop English, ICT skills, organizational skills, collaborative skills, creativity, team spirit, time management

and many more skills for teachers and students alike. Through ISA projects, teachers were given opportunities to apply them in the class.

The student participation was very high as they were motivated by the various activities done to complete the projects. They were keen to compare and contrast the partner schools’ student work through the SchoolsOnline website, Skype and YouTube. Students were involved in presentations which improved their communication skills and language skills. The support that we received from the parents for our projects is noteworthy as well.

The school gained popularity in and out of the country through the ISA work carried out in the school. Many of our work has been published on SchoolsOnline and YouTube.

At present we have a connecting classrooms committee which consists of six teachers and seven students to ensure the sustainability of our collaborative project (local and international) work.

Chamila Priyanka BandaraISA coordinator

Kt/ Nugawela Model Primary School,Nugawela

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The International School Award was introduced to our school by the British Council, through an introductory workshop. This workshop focused on designing the action plan, getting support from the partner school and using the schoolsonline website. British Council Sri Lanka officials explained the importance of ISA, the aim and the benefit of it to the school. After the workshop, as a teacher of English I was very confident to introduce it to our principal and teachers.

The midyear review in Colombo really boosted our progress. At the initial stage it was difficult to find funds for the projects and our school’s internet facility was another big challenge. However, I am glad that the projects were completed successfully even with such obstacles. As a result of our use of the SchoolsOnline website, new partnerships have been established between schools in India, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria. Through such partnerships, students of both countries have had the opportunity to speak about each other’s schools, countries, cultures, lifestyles, climate and environment. By participating in these projects, my students have had the opportunity to add an international element to their education.

A successful ISA project – “Magic hands”

Out of the seven projects, the project based on creativity was ‘Magic Hands’. It was a collaborative project with an Indian partner school. The aim of the project was to create things with materials which are available in our immediate environment. It gave an opportunity for the students to enhance creativity. Students made greeting cards, tabletops, wall hangings and baskets. We displayed them in an exhibition. We received good comments from parents, teachers and the community. Later photos were exchanged with our partner school. Our students were ecstatic when they received a video call from their partner school in India and they exchanged their samples via Skype. I am confident that our students gained a lot of knowledge and they learnt about handicrafts of another country through this project work.

V. SivapathaviruthayarISA Co-ordinator

J/Sanmarkka Maha Vidyalayam,Jaffna

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ISA 2013-2014 was introduced to us via workshops during the 1st semester of 2013. From the very 1st day onwards we were able to learn new teaching methodologies and new ways of classroom management. Also the use of different activities to suit age, gender and local curriculum were taught. This enabled me, as the Co-ordinator, to plan ISA projects with a new dimension. As projects were designed with an international element, we were able to share them with our UK partner school. So the classroom learning/teaching process was much easier and motivational for students. With these projects, lessons became more activity based and students were able to work actively in groups/individually.

ISA projects were based on cultural elements like food, clothes, festivals, literature, history etc. We shared most of the projects with the UK partner school and it enabled students of both countries to gain experience, new knowledge and understanding about the two countries. Students from grade 03 to 12 were involved in different projects and activities during the ISA programme. Among these projects, the project by students of grade 12 was significant, where we invited other local school students and co-ordinators to assess our project.

As we were hoping to achieve ISA re-accreditation, we also mentored St.Mary’s college- Dehiwala and Nawala Primary school. The visits to the schools gave us new experience in mentoring and directing schools for an international award. Our mentoring and efforts were eventually successful as St.Mary’s College ,Dehiwala achieved ISA accreditation.

As participants of ISA 2013/2014 we gained new experience locally and internationally. The teachers and students involved can recall the journey towards achieving the International School Award as a learning/teaching adventure.

K. M.Bashini VishwaISA Co-ordinator

St. Paul's Girls' School,Milagiriya

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The ISA journey was a very exciting experience. It is not meant only for urban, popular schools with ample resources but also for schools in rural areas with considerably less resources. Our school is also situated in a rural area with limited facilities and limited resources. Therefore in the beginning we were uncertain of our ability to carry out the ISA programme in our school, especially due to the lack of IT facilities and IT support in our school. There was a sense of fear and uncertainty in me whether our school could proceed with the programme.

As time progressed we attended a few workshops and evaluations conducted by the British Council online. Although I am a teacher of English, I had no experience in the use of computers and internet. But through determination and courage I learnt these skills over time. I realized I had to do so in order to reap the rewards of this programme and to give the students this wonderful opportunity and experience.

The project on heritage with Esh Winning Primary School (UK) and the projects on national celebrations and home gardening with BuHu. Pu. Sainik School (Nepa) were our standout (international) collaborative projects. These ISA projects helped the students, teachers and the wider school community to understand the global dimension in education. I am delighted by our success in achieving the ISA accreditation and I’m thankful for the support given by the principal, teachers, parents, former students, well-wishers and students.

We wish to continue collaborative projects with guidance from the British Council and improve the learning experience of our students.

A. M. N. K. AtapattuISA Co-ordinator

Kg/Mw/ Udugama Buddhist Primary School,Rambukkana

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Participation in the ISA had a positive impact on me personally as the International Coordinator and on the other teachers and students who were involved in the ISA and on the whole school. By implementing the projects for the ISA, I was able to fathom the potential of the students and enable them to unleash those in a positive way. Because of our engagement in the ISA projects, I have now been able to engage the students in exploratory learning strategies which I had hitherto not explored in my pedagogical career. Amidst challenges, seeing the projects coming to an end was a sweet sorrow. Sweet because the termination gave me a solace; sorrow because all of us would not be as active as we were during the implementation of the projects.

Many teachers who were involved in the project had to rack their brains in organizing the projects. They held extensive discussions with the administration, staff members and students. It is my considered opinion that the ISA projects grounded the teachers in many areas of professional collaboration that they have now developed a great sense of confidence. They worked as a team and never succumbed to pressure although they had a lot to do. This made them very dedicated and committed to their tasks.

The students had a wonderful opportunity to use technology, English, IT skills and a chance to enhance their presentation skills. They learnt how to draft letters to get permission from state agencies, visit them and hold discussions, engage in fact-finding missions, prepare power-point presentations, make welcome speeches and votes of thanks and to speak in public. They had to work under pressure. It is very evident that their personalities have developed considerably and they have been able to develop their self-confidence. All in all, the projects of ISA exercised a profoundly positive impact on teachers, students and the school.

S. M. RishamISA Co-ordinator

Zahira College (National School),Hambanthota

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1 A/ Deepani Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura2 A/ Ihalahalmillewa Maha Vidyalaya, Eppawela3 A/ Vidyadarsha Maha Vidyalaya, Nochchiyagama4 Bishop’s College, Colombo 35 CP/K/ Siddhartha Maha Vidyalaya, Ampitiya6 CP/Tel/ Senarathwela Maha Vidyalaya, Theldeniya7 D.S. Senanayake Model Primary School, Anuradhapura8 G/ Meepavila Amarasuriya College, Galle9 G/ P. De S. Kularathne Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda10 Hemamali Girls' College, Kandy11 J/ Sanmarkka Maha Vidyalayam, Jaffna12 K/ Akurana Muslim Ballika Maha Vidyalaya, Akurana13 K/ Alawathugoda Central College14 K/ Al-Hamra Vidyalaya, Kandy15 K/ D. S. Senanayake College, Kandy16 K/ Gampola Zahira College, Gampola17 K/ Jinaraja Boys' College, Gampola18 K/ Jinaraja Girls' College, Gampola19 K/ Kirinda Model School, Gampola20 K/ Nugawala Central College,Kandy21 K/ Pemarathana Maha Vidyalaya, Kulugammana22 K/ Pushpadana Girls' College, Kandy23 K/ Vidyartha College, Kandy24 K/ Wickramabahu Central College, Gampola25 Kaluwila Sena Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura26 Kathiresan Central College, Nawalpitiya27 Kg/ Swarnajayanthi Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle28 Kg/Mw/ Ashoka Primary School, Rambukkana29 Kg/Mw/ Molagoda Primary School, Kegalle30 Kg/Mw/ Udugama Buddhist Primary School, Rambukkana31 Kt/ Nugawela Model Primary School,Nugawela32 Mahinda Rajapaksha College, Homagama33 Maliyadewa Model School, Kurunegala34 Mowbray College, Kandy35 MR/ Narandeniya Central College (National School), Kamburupitiya 36 Mt/ Elwala Vidyalaya, Ukuwela37 Siridhamma College, Galle 38 Southlands College,Galle39 St. Paul's Girls' School, Milagiriya40 Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara41 Tel/ Dharmashoka Junior School, Teldeniya42 Vincents Girls' High School, Batticaloa43 WP/KT St. Anthony's Girls' School, Panadura 44 WP/Pilil/ St. Mary's College, Dehiwala45 Zahira College (National School), Hambanthota

ISA Awarded Winners

Schools accredited with the Full International School Award

46 BT/ Methodist Central College, Batticaloa47 Mahanaga Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle48 Sanghamittha Ballika Vidyalaya, Galle49 St. Anthony's Girls' College, Kandy

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ISA Awarded Winners

Schools Re-accredited with the Full International School Award

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50 A/ Sri Siddhartha Central College,Eppawela51 A/ Zahira Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura52 Ananda College, Colombo 1053 Defence Services College,Colombo54 G/Sripathi Maha Vidyalaya, Wathugedara55 Kg/Dehi/ Sulaimaniya College, Kannatota56 MR/Batteegama Maha Vidyalaya,Dickwella57 WP/NG Kochchikade Maha Vidyalaya,Kochchikade

ISA Awarded Winners

Schools accredited with the International School AwardIntermediate Certificate

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Mrs Sanjeevani Munasinghe, Manager - School and Society,British Council, Colombo

Mrs Deepthi Wijesinghe, Assistant Manager Programme Delivery,British Council, Colombo

Miss Thushara Gunasekera, Assistant Manager Programme Delivery,British Council, Colombo

Mr Anoop Kapukotuwa, Assistant Manager Programme Delivery,British Council, Colombo

Mrs Ramya Saman Padidilian, Assistant Director of Education (English), Provincial Department of Education, Kandy and British Council School Ambassador (BCSA)

Mrs J. Sumedha Jayaweera , Deputy Principal, Thurstan College,Colombo 3 and British Council School Ambassador

Mr Mohamed Shazuli, Vice Principal, Zahira College, Colombo 10 andBritish Council School Ambassador

Mrs Geethgaya Walpola, Lecturer, University of Colombo and British Council School Ambassador

Mrs Shamali Jayaratne, Master Trainer, Zonal Education Office Kandy andBritish Council School Ambassador

Mrs. Chinthika Goonatileke, In-service Advisor English Zonal Education Office, Teldeniya and British Council School Ambassador

Miss Imtazia Farook, Master Trainer, K/ Badi-Udin-Mahmud Girls’ School, Kandy and British Council School Ambassador

Miss Madhuri Kannangara, Teacher in Charge , Regional English Support Centre Penideniya, Peradeniya, British Council School Ambassador

ISA assessment panel

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Mrs F. Nimnaaz F. Nawaz, Principal, Snow Drops Cambridge International Study, Colombo 9 and British Council School Ambassador

Mr Anil Vithanage, Teacher of English, Sylvester’s College, Kandy and British Council School Ambassador

Miss M.M.K.M.Bandara, Teacher of English, Siri Piyarathana Central College, Padukka and British Council School Ambassador

Mrs Dilrukshi Neranjala Kumari, Teacher of English, St Joseph's College, Anuradhapura and British Council School Ambassador

Mrs Bhagya Ekanayake, Science Teacher, Girls’ High School, Kandy andBritish Council School Ambassador

Mrs Sagarika Amaranayake, Teacher of English, CP/Tel/Gamima Bandaranayaka Maha Vidyalaya, Theldeniya and British Council School Ambassador

Mrs Malani Senarath, Teacher of English Ananda National School, Chilaw and British Council School Ambassador

Mr Harindra Bandara, Teacher of English Balalla U B Wanninayake Navodya School, Balalla and British Council School Ambassador

Miss S. S. Thanuja Lakmali ,Teacher of English, Ananda National School Chillaw and British Council School Ambassador

Mrs A.A.S.S.Dias, Sectional Head, Mahanama College, Colombo 03 andBritish Council School Ambassador

Miss Sumedha Madubashini, Teacher of English J/Ranala Model Primary School, Ranala and British Council School Ambassador

ISA assessment panel

Our main focus areas in Sri Lanka:

School Partnerships:

We form partnerships among Sri Lankan schools with schools in the UK and overseas. They work together on joint projects, and learn from each other. We also create opportunities for schools to form partnerships with schools around the world through online projects on the Schools Online website. Schools Online is open to any school that wants to take part. There are currently more than 350 Sri Lankan schoolsinvolved on the site (http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org).

Professional Development:

We have a series of online courses, available for any teacher in Sri Lanka to take part in which will help them to develop their ideas around global citizenship. For teachers and head teachers directly involved in Connecting Classrooms we offer in depth face to face training in a variety of aspects of school leadership and for teaching and learning about global citizenship.

By sharing best practice and materials globally we create opportunities for educators (principals and teachers) to adapt modern methodologies for teaching Sri Lankan students in the 21stcentury. (http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/ professional-development)

Accreditation and Awards:

The International School Award provides a framework for schools to record implement and monitor all of their international projects and a

Connecting Classrooms is a global education programme for schools jointly funded by the British Council and the UK’Aid. It creates enriching teaching-learning experiences and develops young people’s skills in global citizenship and other curriculum areas while creating understanding to work in a global economy. It offers school partnerships, professional development courses for teachers, accreditation, leadership training for head teachers and students (Students Council). This programme provides opportunities to share best practices with international counterparts. It encourages cross-cultural engagement and promotes mutual understanding of values, behaviours and environments.

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pathway to a prestigious award. There are two levels of accreditation offered to help schools engage internationally, whatever their previous experience (http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/accreditation-and-awards/International-School-Award)

Policy Engagement:

We are working with policy makers to share international best practise in general education and global citizenship. Through Connecting Classrooms there will be regular national and international events for policy makers to exchange ideas with peers that will help them reflect on their own education policies and strategies.

Social Action:

We are working with student councils, schools and communities on hundreds of social action projects each year. These have included educational, environmental and society based projects.

What have we achieved so far?

In 2013-14 more than 50,000 students from across Sri Lanka were involved in Connecting Classrooms activities. More than 350 schools from different parts of Sri Lanka are now using ‘Schools Online’ website. More than 210 schools have worked on international projects with schools in the UK and overseas.

Connecting Classrooms

www.britishcouncil.lk