The Welsh Government agreed definition of a Professional Learning Community is:
...a group of practitioners working together using a structured process of enquiry to focus on a specific area of their teaching to improve learner outcomes and so raise school standards.
They need to:
- Have the responsibility to try new learning and teaching strategies in order to extend their own professional development and learning.
- Enquire as a group in order to generate new professional knowledge and understanding.
- Implement the most effective learning and teaching solutions.
International Professional Learning Communities (IPLC) directly follow the PLC methodology. They add an international dimension by generating self sustaining links between practitioners and schools in Wales and other countries while providing a mechanism for Welsh teachers to address their priority issues and implement findings through teaching methods.
Numeracy. Bangalore, India
Applications are invited from PLC’s for an international study visit to Bangalore, India during the Spring term 2014. This study visit will focus on numeracy, and its primary purpose will be to:
- Inspire new approaches to teaching numeracy by the analysis of the principles upon which successful practice in India is premised that will translate into concrete action back in the home school and to lead to the development of new strategies to improve learning outcomes for children.
- Create reciprocal relationships with primary schools in Bangalore with a view to the development of future joint projects and partnerships between the schools.
This learning visit will focus on the exchange of experience and good practice between Wales and Indian primary schools. Practitioners will learn from colleagues and peers in India by observing best teaching practice, teaching methodologies, lesson delivery and content approach and standards in pupil learning.
By gaining an understanding of the different approaches, understanding the principles behind these approaches and designing new strategies based upon them, participating schools will be required to:
- Attend a pre-departure group professional planning meeting with a British Council facilitator
- Create ideas and action plans to implement in their own context based on the observed practices gained from the visit.
- Demonstrate measurable evidence of progress through reports and case studies to be disseminated amongst other schools in Wales.
- Agree to a Memorandum of Understanding, developing this study visit into a recognised school partnership and action plan.
Applications are invited from PLC’s currently working together. This may or may not be an already established PLC but evidence of joint work will need to be demonstrated. The programme is aimed at experienced practitioners and/or middle managers – i.e. those who have a few years’ experience and are in a position to be able to influence practice when they return. Applications should include up to five individuals from either one or different schools.
The group should nominate one group leader who will be responsible for liaising with the British Council, both in UK and India as a Lead Coordinator in all aspects of the programme, leading evening seminars to share information and reflection after each day, and coordinating post visit reporting.
Participating schools must be fully committed to working on continuous improvement with the Indian partners post visit, and will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop action plans to drive specific improvements in their own schools, delivered through joint projects.
Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the British Council.
Application deadline 7th November 2013.
Application form, guidance notes.
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