Bedwas High School has been named October’s School of the Month for its excellence in international linking. We asked Sue Rivers, a teacher at Bedwas High School about their international linking.
We have successfully worked with countries such as Japan, Kenya, and many European countries on various projects such as the eTwinning programme.
Following a reciprocal visit undertaken in 2005 a Global Curriculum Project was established with Bahari Parents Academy in Kenya. As a consequence, a Global Curriculum link was formed with Bedwas High School. Our project focussed on Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship and was linked through a range of curriculum areas.
Through ‘Blossoming branches of wisdom’, we aim to look at the world through growing plants and comparing data on growth and climate change. For example in 2007 we both grew sunflowers and compared the growth of the plant and its use after flowering, 2008 we grew root vegetables – potatoes, carrots and radish and in 2009 we are growing tomatoes and peppers. These are planted at Bedwas in May each year during a visit and then our visitors plant the same plants on their return to Bahari. The data on growth, rainfall, hours of sunlight, temperature etc. is shared and used in Mathematics and ICT.
In addition in October 2006 staff and students from Bedwas High School visited Kenya. Students attended lessons with the pen pals they had been corresponding with over three years, whilst staff had the opportunity to teach lessons in a Kenyan classroom.
Visits were arranged to other schools, public and private, in the Mtwapa area and an understanding of the curriculum requirements in Kenya was developed along with the conditions of service of teachers in both sectors. Students and teachers from Kenya then visited Bedwas High School, students attended lessons and teachers observed and taught a range of subjects. Visits were made to neighbouring primary and special schools to give them an insight into our education system.
Subsequent visits have involved different members of staff and students which has facilitated the project across all curriculum areas in both schools. The focus of the project has been discussed and enhanced at every joint staff meeting held during visits to each others country and the number of subjects involved at both schools has expanded and the link permeated across the curriculum in both schools.
The schools are proud of the work they have undertaken, gaining an international reputation for their work in promoting sustainability. The curriculum has been audited and every subject department contributes to raising awareness of ESDGC.
Teachers who have been part of the visit to Kenya / Wales have been excellent in disseminating their experiences to pupils, other staff, governors/directors and the community outside the school – church organisations and primary schools. This is reflected in the display work, the values and attitudes of the pupils and the marvellous way in which visitors are greeted to the school. A major impact is had by the links being incorporated into curriculum areas – PSE, Technology, Art, Music, Maths, Geography to name a few
The difficulties in communication and the slower pace of life in Kenya. Additionally when preparing for visits many factors needed to be considered e.g. flights, accommodation, health needs.
Go for it! It may take time to complete the forms and communicate with your partner school but the benefits are enormous
- For some teachers and pupils who are lucky enough to be selected, the experience will last a life time and alter your perception on life.
- The benefits to the school are immense, having teachers teach in each others schools and pupils attend each others lessons not only benefits the ‘chosen few’ but also those who are in the classroom being taught or sitting alongside a visitor.
Bedwas High School website.
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