GSP News
www.britishcouncil.org/globalschools
Issue 10 - September 2008
News
Contract Status
The Department for International Development (DFID) has funded the DFID Global School Partnerships (DGSP) programme since 2003. The programme has been delivered by a consortium of the British Council , Cambridge Education Foundation , UKOWLA and VSO . A new contract for the future management of the programme will be awarded later this year.
The tendering process is drawing to a conclusion, and DFID hope to be able to make a further announcement shortly.
In the interim, the current consortium partners will continue to deliver the programme and provide support to schools participating in the programme.
We will also endeavour to ensure a smooth transition to the new contract. Schools will be notified in advance of all relevant transition arrangements, and any changes to the current procedures for submitting grant applications and reports.
Grants Programme News
Reciprocal Visit grants
We are pleased to announce a new Reciprocal Visit grant application deadline: 1 November 2008
Reciprocal Visit grants are for young partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in an eligible Southern country that are working together to embed a global dimension in their curricula. They enable teachers to visit their partner school to plan joint curricular work with a global dimension.
The Reciprocal Visit grant has been increased to £2,000, to be shared between the partner schools.
A total of 209 applications for Reciprocal Visit grants were received in May, including 20 clusters. Grants were awarded to 160 applications (77%), representing 187 school partnerships. For the first time successful applications were received from schools with partnerships in Somalia , Vietnam and Indonesia . Congratulations to all those successful applicants.
Get accreditation for your partnership work
Teachers in the UK and the global South who are engaged in school partnership work can gain accreditation through a number of universities for the learning associated with a global school partnership. You may be able to receive professional recognition for your partnership work by getting it accredited through a university and making this your continuing professional development objective. Many universities allow you to use your work-based learning as part of a module.
Information on participating universities can be found on the accreditation page at the Cambridge Education Foundation website www.camb-ed.com/about-us/cef.asp .
This is what Sharon Leftwich, Internationalism and Development Education Co-ordinator at Polesworth International Language College , in the English Midlands, says about her experience: 'After three years, during which I completed audits, research, literature reviews and three assignments, I have finally achieved my MEd ( University of Exeter ). Having been able to reflect on my own practice and achievements has added the thrill factor to my accreditation and given me a true sense of ownership. Knowing the impact that my work at school has had on staff, the curriculum and students makes my day-to-day job seem far more worthwhile. I would recommend it to anyone.'
Pakistan Active Citizenship Focus Group
In March, British Council Pakistan arranged for 35 students aged 12-15 to participate in a group discussion with young volunteers from the UK and Pakistan that were a part of the Global Xchange programme.
Eight teachers from DGSP schools acted as facilitators and shared their experience of partnership with participants. The students were from DGSP schools that had completed work on Citizenship with their partner schools. The students had an excellent understanding of the topic, and it was evident that they had learned a great deal through their partnerships, as they constantly referred to their DGSP projects and experiences.
The following topics were discussed:
Science Teachers Conference 2008 on Science and Environment Projects
This residential conference was held in Sri Lanka from 1- 4 August, for fifty Secondary Level Science teachers from DGSP schools, and Ministry of Education officials. The main aim of the conference was to create awareness of collaborative projects on Science and Environment within the secondary curriculum.
The event was intended to help teachers to:
Workshops were conducted on global warming, climate change and sustainable development; tips on greening your school and waste management; practical tips on facing the energy crisis; and conservation of bio-diversity. These workshops provided an opportunity for teachers to generate ideas on projects with their partner school in the UK , as well as providing a chance for teachers from different regions to share good practice.
The event was organised by School Partnership and Science projects staff at British Council Sri Lanka.
Commonwealth Essay Competition 2008
Three pupils from Angelina Tembo Girls' School in Zambia received commendations for their submissions to the 2008 Commonwealth Essay Competition. Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Competition aims to provide an opportunity for schools throughout the Commonwealth to participate in a global educational project, and to highlight local and global issues and encourage their discussion in a positive manner.
Writing in the 16-18 age group, Agnes Shikabi wrote her essay on "Refugees", and Prudence Kateule wrote hers using "Let me tell you a story, this is how it all began" as a starting point. Chikasa Nanyagwe participated in the 14-15 age group and chose to write her essay on a quote from former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan: "You have to have a dream or you will go nowhere". Her essay was 'Highly Commended', and all three pupils received certificates for participation and recognition of good work.
Angelina Tembo Girls' School has a partnership with Newall Green High School in Manchester . The partners are currently in the first year of Global Curriculum Project grant funding from DGSP.
The deadline for entries to reach the Royal Commonwealth Society for the 2009 Commonwealth Essay Competition is 1 March 2009. The Competition is open to students who are a citizen of or resident in a Commonwealth country or territory.
For more information visit http://www.rcsint.org/essay/ .
Partnerships in the Media
Do you want to publicise your partnership in local media?
If you have a visit coming up, whether to or from your partner school, let us know. We can create opportunities for promoting your school partnership in your local media. We can also provide support and guidance on how to make the most of these opportunities to celebrate your partnership in local newspapers, radio and television!
We would also like to hear from you when you are hosting any exciting events linked to your partnership, such as themed days, community initiatives or any celebrations of your partnership.
Please send any details to globalschools@britishcouncil.org at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.
Events
Free teacher training programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade
22 September, 25 September, 2 October, 6 October 2008, 9:30am to 4:00pm, Museum in Docklands, London .
Anti-Slavery International and Inner Vision are offering four INSET days to support and empower established and trainee teachers to deliver classes on the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the Key Stage 3 History curriculum.
The main aims of the INSET day are to:
This is free training with a lunch allowance, but places are limited.
For further information, and to book a place, contact Michaela Alfred-Kamara, Tel: 020 7501 8935
E-mail: m.alfred-kamara@antislavery.org .
Fostering community cohesion and global citizenship through teaching the Transatlantic Slave Trade
22 October 2008, 9am to 5pm, Museum in Docklands, London
This free conference is a follow-on from Anti-Slavery's four INSET days listed above.
There will be a keynote address from Sir Keith Ajegbo author of Curriculum Review: Diversity and Citizenship as well as representatives from WISE, education consultants. Workshops will be held on the following topics:
The Recovered Histories education pack will also be launched at the conference and all delegates will receive a free copy.
Please contact m.alfred-kamara@antislavery.org for further information or to reserve a place.
Global Citizenship advocates course for teachers and local authority advisors
The course will be held on 3 Tuesdays: 14 October, 13 November and 2 December 2008, 10am - 4pm, Oxfam House, John Smith Drive , Oxford .
This RISC course introduces the theory and practice of Global Citizenship and
The course costs £250 (ex-VAT) - each participant will receive £100 of free resources.
For further details or to book, contact Liz Allum
Tel: 0118 958 6692
E-mail: liz@risc.org.uk .
Teaching Citizenship Through Human Rights - Free CPD training
15 October 2008, NUT Head Office, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place , London .
Amnesty International UK, The British Institute of Human Rights and the National Union of Teachers are holding a free teacher training event for those involved in delivering Citizenship education at Key Stage 3.
What training will the event deliver?
Who should attend?
For booking details see: www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11321 .
Stand Up and Take Action Against Poverty and Inequality
17-19 October 2008
Last year, 43.7 million people in 127 countries took part and broke the world record for the most number of people to stand up against poverty on one day. This year, the Global Call to Action against Poverty has added the "Take Action" component, and participants will be invited to take further action against poverty.
In the UK this will include a local action agenda, making public support visible for politicians to act on our demands. Local MP lobbies or stunts outside town halls are encouraged.
Stand Up and Take Action against Poverty and Inequality will take place over 3 days; Friday October 17 to Sunday October 19. The "counting" period will be at any time over those 3 days, local time in that country.
For more information:
Contact Tim Gee, BOND Campaigns and Communications Officer
E-mail: tgee@bond.org.uk ;
Visit the Stand Up and Take Action website at: www.standagainstpoverty.org , where you can download the 50 Global Days of Action Toolkit , which includes a resource pack for Stand Up and Take Action Against Poverty and Inequality.
Teaching Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship
20-22 October 2008, Course at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Wales
This course is aimed at educators working with KS2/3, however, but some of the learning will provide background material useful for teaching at a higher or lower level. It will take place at the Centre for Alternative Technology where participants can engage with sustainable solutions in situ.
CAT education staff will use years of experience to provide practical activities, lectures and discussions covering many aspects of ESDGC, including Climate Change, Eco Footprinting, and Renewable Energy.
Fees: £330/£240/£180
For more information please see www.cat.org.uk/shortcourses .
Philosophical Enquiry (P4C) and Global Citizenship training from Global Link
22 October and 6 November 2008, Lancaster
Cost: £220
Global Link DEC, Lancaster is offering a 2 day course in P4C/GC, accredited by SAPERE as a Level 1 course. Aimed at teachers of all key stages, it will also be suitable for DE workers, youth and community workers, in fact anyone who is interested in using innovative methodologies to facilitate learning about global issues.
For further details visit: www.globallink.org.uk or contact Ruth Davies, e-mail: r.davies@globallink.org.uk .
Philosophy for Children
The Cheshire Development Education Centre (CDEC) will be running three courses on Philosophy for Children (P4C) in the Autumn Term.
This course will give those working within education a basic, level 1 accredited, qualification in P4C. Due to its skills based approach to teaching and learning, the level 1 course is relevant for all key stages. The course links directly to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Every Child Matters agenda.
CDEC are running three P4C courses in the Autumn term for which there are only 20 places on each course. They will be held at the Holiday Inn, Runcorn on 11-12 September, 14-15 October and 11-12 November. To book a place on a course, or for further information please contact CDEC at info@cheshiredec.org or call 01244 347880.
Scotland Malawi Partnership's 'Speed Net' School Partnerships Event
8 November 2008, Glasgow
The Scotland Malawi Partnership's School Partnerships Working Group is holding a 'speed date' style meeting for Scottish teachers involved in partnerships with Malawian schools. The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday 13th September, but has been postponed until Saturday 8th November.
The aim of the event is to:
The event will take place at Holyrood Secondary School , 100 Dixon Ave. , Glasgow G42 8AU , from 09.30 to 14.00 on Saturday 8th November.
To register for the event or to request further information, please contact:
info@scotland-malawipartnership.org
Or go to http://www.scotland-malawipartnership.org/
Resources
Partners in Learning
Partners in Learning: A guide to successful global school partnerships is DGSP's comprehensive guide for those interested in or already involved in learning partnerships with global dimension goals. This easy to use guide draws on the practice of schools around the world. With an emphasis on global citizenship, it answers the big questions and practical issues for any school considering, or already in a sustainable learning partnership.
Partners in Learning is available to buy for £20 plus postage and packing. To order your copy, send the following details to globalschools@britishcouncil.org :
- Name
- Delivery address
- Number of copies (at £20 each + P&P)
- Contact e-mail address
- Daytime telephone number
Partners in Learning is also available to download in PDF format at http://www.britishcouncil.org/globalschools-partners-in-learning.htm .
Teachers and Human Rights Education, by Audrey Osler and Hugh Starkey
How can schools promote democracy? Whose values should take precedence in multicultural societies? Can schools safeguard both children's rights and those of teachers? Campaigners, politicians and the media regularly cite human rights to justify or challenge actions that range from peaceful protest to military action. The phrase 'human rights' appears to have become a slogan in need of a definition. Human rights education seems more urgent than ever.
Teachers and Human Rights Education helps teachers with this vital task and clarifies the relevance of human rights to their everyday work. The authors draw on a range of international examples to illustrate how schools can enable young people to work towards the ideals of justice and peace in both the school community and the wider world. The application of human rights principles is applied as the basis for living together in diverse societies.
The book can be ordered from Trentham Books .
SoundAffects
The SoundAffects project, which works to enhance existing school links through high quality audio recordings, is currently running a pilot project with sixteen linked schools in the UK and Ghana . For the last three months radio producers Penny Boreham and Caroline Swinburne have been working with children at the linked schools in the UK and in Ghana . Children were given the chance to ask and respond to each other's questions in recorded audio, as well as contributing to a range of joint curriculum projects including "My Family", "Where I Live", "Slavery", "Sex Education" and "Breakfast".
The material, along with guidelines for classroom discussion, will eventually be issued on compact disc and made available to all interested schools in the UK and in Ghana . Next year project leaders will re-visit Ghana to work with local journalists, and train them to take over the in-country recording operation, to make the audio links sustainable.
In 2009 SoundAffects plans to begin work with a group of British schools linked to schools in Sri Lanka .
SoundAffects will be officially launched with an event at the House of Commons on Thursday 23 rd October.
For further information visit the website www.soundaffects.org.uk , or contact:
Penny Boreham: pboreham@soundaffects.org.uk
Caroline Swinburne: cswinburne@soundaffects.org.uk