International partnerships
International school partnerships benefit the pupils and staff of the whole
school through collaboration and communication with learners of a different
culture and outlook. This can enhance language learning, but much more besides,
including citizenship, history and geography — all of which benefit from
a global dimension and better understanding of diversity.
More importantly, a sustained and committed school link can help pull together the identity and ethos of a school.
Partnerships promote a forward-thinking approach in a school by encouraging reflection and discussion. They can be used to tackle particular areas that need focus and improvement in a school, or to celebrate what is best about the school and to share and showcase it to greater effect to a partner school.
The DSCF Global Gateway, managed for the Department by the British Council, offers partnership opportunities and advice on funding for learning partnerships in Europe and worldwide. This includes assistance with project-based programmes such as Comenius in the EU, DFID Global School Partnerships (in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean), and other more specific linking programmes funded by the DCSF, and by the British Council, including China and Japan. Funding will include planning visits. Simpler projects without funding can also be supported.
The Gateway also alerts schools to competitions, funding deadlines, special events, workshops and conferences.
Teachers and headteachers can register for the Global Gateway service and receive a free welcome pack outlining the opportunities and approaches to international links and projects. You can also request general information or advice on a specific project, programme, activity or partner country.
The free service includes partnerfinding and offers suggested schools to link with or other organisations to approach. There is also an advice service on project planning and free platforms for hosting and managing projects.
The simplest of these platforms is the DCSF-funded project space eLanguages, which is available in 18 languages and can be used by partner schools all over the world. It is free to use and mentors will assist schools to set up projects. The free EU platform for projects, eTwinning, is recommended for schools starting projects with Europe.
The British Council also manages the accreditation scheme for international work. The DCSF International School Award provides an auditing framework for international activities (at three levels) and advice and guidance for applicants. In 2007, nearly 500 schools were accredited, and more than 2000 are currently involved in the scheme.
See also these TeacherNet pages:
Last updated: 04 July 2008
