Becoming Global Citizens

Since 2005, Charlton Kings Junior School has been part of a Comenius Partnership with four schools from Greece (Crete), France, Italy and Latvia helping students learn about global citizenship issues.

Project activities have included creating an anthology of poetry, a competition to design a badge celebrating European collaboration and producing an audio compendium of animal sounds from each country, as well as a European newspaper and a calendar.

The final stage of their project culminated in a week of citizenship-themed activities in Cheltenham, undertaken by 45 students from the partner countries who formed a “European Class”. Prior to the week, all participating pupils took part in a range of activities designed to encourage team work, address cultural differences and support the creation of long-lasting friendships.

The students took part in initial ice-breaking games and attempted to communicate in each other’s languages. Bradley Evans from Charlton Kings Junior said, “It was amazing meeting the European children and attempting to learn and speak the many different languages.” Nina Booth agreed: “It was cool because not many people actually get to meet their pen pals and it was much better than just seeing a photo.”

Throughout the week pupils engaged in a range of artistic visits and activities throughout the week. This included a visit to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and joint production of a wall hanging representing the schools working together as one, each school taking away an identical wall hanging to display in their school. They also found time to enjoy some typical UK gastronomic delights, including the traditional full English breakfast and fish and chips!

Parents of the UK children provided support to the week’s activities with a fantastic buffet at a final presentation event that brought all project participants together to celebrate the success of the project and a hugely enjoyable week of working together as a European class.

Andy Theedom, trip organiser and international coordinator from Charlton Kings Junior School said,

“The week was a huge success … the children have enjoyed a very unique experience. At school we encourage the children to become and act as Global Citizens with our many links around the world. This week has ensured that the children are doing just this. It has been brilliant to see the children interact throughout the week and grow in confidence to attempt a different language. Strong friendships have been formed and the links with all of the schools will continue.”

Plans to continue the partnership links are already in hand, with 36 children from Charlton Kings Junior visiting fellow students from the French partner school this month. And students clearly appreciated the experience. According to Jess Brill, “It was an amazing opportunity because not many children would have the chance to have this experience.”

Charlotte Manners agrees, “It was a fantastic experience and it was the first time I had made a friend from another country. I will keep in contact with them as much as I can.”

Oliver Carter also agreed his opportunity was unique, “It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.”