The British Council’s revised and enhanced Connecting Classrooms programme is creating lasting partnerships between schools in the UK and around the world. It aims to develop trust and understanding between different societies, and equips young people with the skills and cultural understanding they need to live and work as global citizens.

The programme gives young learners the opportunity to work with peers in other countries on curriculum projects, supports teachers, headteachers and other education professionals to embed international work and, through a series of awards, recognises excellent work in bringing an international aspect to education.

Connecting Classrooms projects have already been running with Africa, Asia and the Middle East; a simplified and expanded global programme will launch this year.

How does it work?

To get involved, you usually need to form a cluster with other local UK schools and gain the support of your local authority (or other co-ordinating authority). Through involvement in the scheme you can:
- find international partners – you don’t need an international partnership to apply: we establish these links for you
- receive funding for joint activities and projects
- work with partner schools on curriculum projects which enable learners to work together across geographical boundaries
- receive professional development to help you embed the international dimension in your school
- access support, advice and ICT to help you develop and sustain your partnerships and enhance ICT skills
- become part of an online community of schools
- become eligible for DCSF International School Award accreditation, which recognises your school’s commitment to forming international partnerships, as well as other awards for teachers, learners and school leaders.

How do I get involved?

Visit www.britishcouncil.org/connectingclassrooms for information, advice on forming a cluster, application deadlines and contact details.

Case study: Reduce, reuse, recycle

Schools from Enfield have worked with their Connecting Classrooms partners in South Africa and Kenya to recycle more effectively, in both their schools and their wider communities.

When representatives from the schools first came together at a contact seminar – the first step of the programme, facilitated by the British Council, where schools meet their potential partners – they agreed that the environment was a common priority. They decided that their first curriculum project would focus on recycling and cover various curriculum areas, from History, Geography and Science to PSHE and Art & Design.

Enfield students learned from their partners that in Africa, recycled materials are used in craftwork. Inspired, they experimented with making toys and other items from scrap materials, with help from craftwork sent by their partners and guidance from African teachers when they visited.

By the end of the year, display cases around the schools in Enfield were crammed full of items that students had made from recycled materials. The schools also held an exhibition about their recycling work for parents and their local community.

While students were busy comparing experiences and developing ideas, teachers shared sustainable practice, developing ideas to support sustainable development and  contributing to their professional development.

This project has led to more in-depth joint curriculum projects this year on interdependence, fair trade, sustainable farming and other environmental issues.