Links with overseas partners
Links with school communities in a less economically developed country (LEDC) can help bring global issues vividly to life. By exchanging ideas with teachers and pupils on an equal basis, both communities can challenge stereotyped, negative or false images of people and places. This can contribute positively to the teaching and learning of values and attitudes which are so important for living in a global society.
The success and sustainability of a school link will depend on the involvement of a number of teachers and pupils in both schools. Their link needs to be a collaboration where both partners have an opportunity to make an equal contribution. The link should involve pupils in active learning, personal research and producing work for a real audience. Indeed, the school link can be an important vehicle for the involvement of the wider community.
The activity on the right will allow you to consider with colleagues how your school could develop links with a partner school from a LEDC. Is there a natural partner country based on communities in the school or interests, previous links and so on of teachers, parents, pupils or others in the school community? Look at the activity now.
Activity Resources:
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Activity
- Browse the 'DfID Global School Partnerships' section of the British Council website for further advice and information on links with a partner. (This site is also available via the Windows on the World website.) DfID Global School Partnerships
- Develop a brief outline for a 'North-South' school link. Identify:
- what the link will involve and how the success of the work can be evaluated;
- how the partnership will be initiated, and what activities will be used to begin the partnership process;
- how the partnership will evolve over time (plan for the medium to long term);
- how activities will help break down rather than reinforce stereotypical views of people and places;
- who in the school community will be involved in developing and sustaining the link;
- how the link will involve the maximum number of pupils and enable them to take responsibilities in planning and running the link;
- how the link will be used to enrich and meet the requirements of the curriculum for both partners;
- the expected frequency and most appropriate method(s) of communication.
- Use the form 'Search for partners worldwide' on the Window on the World website (date unknown) to seek out potential partners. Search for partners worldwide The form will help you consider some of the important issues for consideration in deciding upon the most appropriate type of school community to link with and what focus the link should take.
- Go to the Windows on the World website and browse for further information on linking schools. You will find these sections of the website particularly useful: 'Introduction' and 'North-South'. Windows on the World
