Ysgol Llanllechid has been named June's school of the month for its excellence in international linking.

We asked Hanna Huws, a teacher at Ysgol Llanllechid about their international linking.

Who do you have international links with?

Jamaica and China
(Link with Jamaica through DFID Global School Partnerships and link with China through China Joint Curriculum Project - both run by British Council)

Could you give us an outline of the international activities in your school?

Teachers from both Jamaica and China have visited our school regularly.
Various Jamaican classroom experiences ranged from tasting, singing, dancing and storytelling . The Year 5&6 pupils also have individual pen-pals which makes the whole learning process more relevant to them as they energetically set about mastering IT and improving their English to communicate with their friends via e-mail, videos, podcast etc.

One of this year’s projects is an exciting Poetry project across the three schools. The Chinese links bring in an added dimension to the pupils learning, besides having pen-pals they also immerse themselves in Chinese culture during our Chinese days and have formed a Mandarin class.

What benefits have you received from having international links?

•Fun - pupils are eager to communicate with real people whilst teachers achieve many teaching targets

•A global outlook which is invaluable for pupils growing up in a rural area of Wales with very few visible ethnic minorities.

•Project work allows for more independent learning and pupils can see the impact of their responses and feed-back on the learning process / project direction.

What has been the most challenging part of International linking for you?

At first it was tough because three times we tried with different schools in Jamaica until we finally linked up with one that was as serious as us about a long-term relationship. The personal contacts and friendships between teachers is what sustains the project.

What advice would you give to teachers thinking about applying for, or starting, an international project?

•Where there’s a will there’s a way, especially when the head is involved.

•Be clear on the educational benefits for your pupils and for your partner school

•Be flexible with your curriculum – most southern hemisphere schools don’t have this luxury as they need to get pupils to pass exams that have a huge impact on their future – so identifying the educational needs of the partner school and adapting your own plans accordingly is easier and more sustainable, since flexibility is built into our new curriculum.

•Try and try again and establish contacts with more than one key staff member at your partner school in case of staff changes.

•Share with and learn from others.

•Keep your sense of humour and be open-minded about your visitors and visits – enjoy!