PART OF BRITISH COUNCIL SCHOOLS ONLINE
Presentation: Connecting Classrooms
Conference: Interculturality Applied Research (cAIR12)
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto
22 to 24 November 2012 |
The Applied Interculturality Research Conference aims to promote intercultural communication and knowledge, and to reduce the prevalence and impact of racism and xenophobia. It seeks to develop interplay between practice and research in all areas of interculturality. The Connecting Classrooms is a project led by the British Council, and in Portugal, supported by the Ministry of Education. It is an initiative that aims to promote the development of collaborative projects between schools in different countries. Portugal is in partnership with schools in the UK, the Czech Republic and Greece. |
Connecting Classrooms builds lasting partnerships between groups of schools in the UK and in over 70 countries around the world.
Through these partnerships, the programme develops understanding and trust between young people in different societies, creating a safer and more connected world for the future.
The aim of the programme is to achieve culturally inclusive schools. It was designed in consultation with education bodies, practitioners and policy makers around the world.
Connecting Classrooms is currently available in 20 countries across Europe. Partnerships will last for two to three years, initially. There is no joining fee, and co-coordinating bodies can apply for grants to support Connecting Classrooms activities.
Young people learn collaboratively with peers from other cultures and communities. The focus on inclusion helps develop the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.
Teachers and school leaders are supported to develop international school partnerships and integrate them into school curricula and broader strategic plans. In this way, they enrich young people’s education, enhance their own professional development and contribute to the achievement of whole-school objectives.
Connecting Classrooms is supported by education authorities in each country which co-ordinate clusters of schools. This ensures that partnerships address local priorities, help to achieve core educational objectives, and are sustainable in the longer term.
- Support to schools and education authorities to establish international partnerships
- Professional development for teachers and school leaders
- Training in leadership skills and cultural awareness for young people
- Recognition through International School Awards
- e-Twinning online platform to help develop and sustain partnerships.
- Watch the Video
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