In partnership with the Confucius Institute, British Council has funding for 4 Head Teachers, from NI primary and post primary schools, to participate in a one week study visit to Zheijang Province, China.

The study visit is targeted at Head Teachers who wish to introduce the study of Chinese language and culture to the school curriculum/extra curricular/enrichment activities. The study visit will involve visiting several schools in the capital city of Hangzhou and schools in rural areas. The purpose of the study visit is to:

•Facilitate a visit for NI schools interested in establishing an international partnership with schools in China
•Learn about the Chinese education system, language and culture
•Develop joint curriculum projects with partners in China
•NI schools introduce Chinese language and culture as enrichment/curricular activity in school, using resources provided by Hanban and the University of Ulster Confucius Institute

DATES OF VISIT: Saturday 16th March – Sunday 24th March 2013 (Each participant must be available for the full duration of the study visit)

FUNDING:

The Confucius Institute and British Council will fund:

•Return economy flight from Belfast/Dublin to China
•8 nights hotel accommodation & some meals
•Trip Insurance
•Visa costs
•Transportation to venues whilst in China

Please email Doris.noe@britishcouncil.org to request an application pack. The deadline to submit a completed application is 12pm on Wednesday 16th January 2013.

A TeachMeet is a very informal and relaxed ‘gathering’ for link-minded teachers to come together and share resources and ideas in a relaxed environment. It is organised by teachers for teachers.

This is an excellent free CPD opportunity for teachers. You will have the opportunity to either present something that you’d like to share with fellow professionals, or simply enjoy the evening and take home some great ideas and why not say hello to British Council staff at our stand.

TeachMeet Belfast begins at 1800 on Friday 2 March, with presentations starting from 1845.

Visit their wiki ( http://tmbelfast.wikispaces.com/ ) for futher details, and if you’re interested in presenting on the night please feel free to add your name and contact details.   If you’re unable to make it to Stranmillis on the night, please follow along at home via our Ustream page ( http://www.ustream.tv/user/TMBelfast).

Follow on Twitter (@TMBelfast) or on Facebook.

Looking forward to seeing you at the inaugural Belfast TeachMeet on 2 March in Stranmillis University College.

Best wishes

TeachMeet Belfast Team.