Brian Stobie is the International Officer for Durham County Council, and coordinator of the British Council’s Regional Professional Development Network (RPDN) for the North East. He supports school staff in developing an international dimension throughout the county and beyond .
(ISBN 1903919029)
This book helps young learners aged 5-7 begin to become more aware of the world around them by looking at where familiar things come from.
To support work on the topic of Pakistan, Save the Children has developed a complete package for seven to 11-year-olds to help them find out about life in that country. Its fun and easy, and a good model to use for future independent linking. www.school-link.org.uk
Some teachers may feel they lack knowledge of global issues, or can’t access information to help them work with their pupils on topics such as poverty and social justice. As a starting point for a school discussion, this OXFAM site includes a good set of activities. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/teachers/globciti/profdev/activities.htm
This collection of wonderful images can be used to complement the above activities to be used in the classroom. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/teachers/photopps/index.htm
Good for staff and pupils alike, this game highlights issues such as child labour, poor employment rights and poverty. http://publications.oxfam.org.uk/
At a recent event hosted by the North East RPDN, staff found this book produced by Christian Aid very motivational and it provoked a lot of discussion.http://www.christianaid.org.uk/learn/schools/paperbag/
Some of the best Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can come from hearing about international activities in the school down the road and being touched by the enthusiasm of other colleagues. Hundreds of schools have thriving international school links, helping to make the international dimension really come alive for their pupils and staff. Remember, too, that your RPDN can put you in touch with a wealth of local expertise to help you develop your school’s international profile.
If the purpose of professional development is to inspire and extend knowledge, undertaking such activity in a different part of the world has a huge advantage over a two-day course at the local education centre. Such activity, however, needs to be very well planned and have the full support of senior management, with clear learning outcomes and a strategy for dissemination and practical implementation upon the teacher’s return. It’s not educational tourism; it’s helping us to make sense of the world!
operates in each of the English regions and in Wales, and provides an excellent resource for networking and sharing information about current opportunities. To find out where your nearest co-ordinator is, go to the Regional Professional Development Network website. The network provides guidance, information and resources through information events, courses and some school visits
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