What is 100 Words?

Founded by Natasha Betteridge and Rachel Parslew, 100 Words is a project for young people that opens imaginations, develops creative potential and creates global connections. Inspired by changes in Beijing as it prepared to host the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 100 Words aims to capture the essence of a language and culture in thousands of short plays, films or operas - each written using just a hundred words. Words and worlds are shared through live performance and digital technology, with an online environment created to give young people instant access to each other. 100 Words launched its artist development and creative language learning programmes in 2007, with activities delivered in both China and the UK. For the latest news, please see the 100 Words website.

100 Words and Connecting Classrooms

To date, the British Council and 100 Words have brought together young people from Algeria, Bangladesh and the UK, through the Connecting Classrooms partnerships between their schools, to create short plays - each written using 100 words of a language other than the students' own. In doing so, the students developed their language skills in English, French and Bengali, increased their creativity and confidence, and gained a better understanding of different cultures and the world around them.

The initiative is being expanded to other schools around the world that are participating in international partnerships supported by Connecting Classrooms.

Contact us to find out more.