We asked Peter Williams, International Co-ordinator at Ysgol Dinas Bran, about how they have brought the international dimension into his school.  

Who do you have international links with?
We work with countries such as South Africa, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Yemen and France on projects such as Connecting Classrooms.

Could you give us an outline of the international activities in your school?
The school has an International Students Association, which is involved heavily in the international life of the school. The students organise various international days, where pupils have the chance to sample the cuisine, language, crafts and children’s games of that particular country. They have also organised a global fair in the local town and have given presentations to groups of parents, local interest groups and on the radio.

Additionally we have an International Day, where Year 9 pupils have the opportunity of studying other languages (taster sessions), as well as having a French café. Languages have ranged from Italian, to Basque, Japanese and Estonian.  Pupils are regularly and successfully entered into competitions, such as EuroScotland, and the recent G20 Global Changemakers workshop.

Pupils and students have been hosted from number of countries including Japan, France, Germany and Slovakia. Additionally students have visited Japan and will be doing so in 2011. The head of the Japanese school visited us recently, as a result of our link we now have lunchtime classes in Japanese, which, next year will be split into 2 groups of different levels.

What benefits have you received from having international links?
Pupils, teachers and support staff have benefited tremendously, for example pupils have a greater understanding of their own culture and it has developed their self confidence and self esteem; and has given a ‘contextualised meaning’ to their language studies. Teachers have been able to explore differences and common practices-and problems- in various schools, both in multi-national workshops and in partner to partner discussions. We have learned to break down our prejudices and preconceptions.  Additionally, international links has enabled both pupils and staff to form friendships, both locally and around the globe, and appreciate more the global problems and challenges that exist in today’s society.

What has been the most challenging part of International linking for you?
Communication has to have been the most difficult thing, especially when dealing with schools outside Europe; matching differing expectations, both within school and between schools.

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

• Make sure that you have the full backing of your leadership team.
• Involve as many curriculum areas as possible in all your thinking and planning.
• Make sure that there is commitment from all sides.
• Be enthusiastic and believe in internationalism yourself.
• Involve the students in the planning of ideas, as well as ancillary staff for example our canteen staff and support staff are involved in our international life.

Ysgol Dinas Bran website