If you are new to international collaboration a short-term supported partnership with Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning could open the door to a world of opportunities for your school.
It’s easy to register and quick to get started with the help of your own local advisor, plus a host of ready to go project ideas and classroom resources.
What are supported partnerships?
Supported partnerships are designed for schools that are new to international collaboration who wish to start their global learning journey without grant funding.
Clusters of participants – representing a maximum of five UK and five overseas schools – work together on a project linked to a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that is related to Cop26, the UN Climate Change Conference being held in the UK in November 2021. The project will be delivered during one term, starting in September 2021, and will be followed by a final evaluation activity. Please note that only one teacher per eligible UK and overseas school can apply to participate in these collaborations.
We will help you develop your project through three one-hour webinars delivered by a global learning practitioner, who will also provide guidance, CPD and support with any questions that you may have.
Upon completion of the project, your local adviser will write a short evaluation report with your input. You can then apply for funds to further develop your partnership.
While supported partnerships do not have grant funding, we have a number of funded partnership opportunities that you can apply for.
Which schools can participate and from which geographical location?
As a member of a UK cluster you will be grouped with up to four other schools from across the United Kingdom, with an equivalent cluster of the same number of participating schools from overseas. The participating countries for this round of Supported Partnerships are – Bangladesh and Pakistan (South Asia), Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe (Sub-Saharan Africa) and MENA countries to be announced shortly.
Only state funded schools are eligible to apply. We accept applications from schools providing full-time general, vocational, technical and special needs education. We also welcome applications from alternative provision settings.
Why should I take part?
As children’s worlds have become smaller over the lockdowns, an international partnership will help broaden their horizons and provide exciting new learning opportunities. You will be able share best practice with your school cluster and acquire transferable skills that will help your pupils develop the attitudes they need to live and work in a global economy.
Participating is simple. We find overseas partner schools for you.
All schools taking part will automatically qualify to apply for the International School Award Foundation Level, ensuring recognition for your work. You can apply for funding to take your partnership work further after the initial three-month project.
Supported partnerships will also help you discover further ways the British Council can play a role in your school’s international collaboration, professional development and opportunities for your students inside and outside of the classroom.
All that we need for you to take part is some baseline information about your school and agreement from your headteacher that you can be released to take part in the programme.
What content will be covered during the webinars?
Please note that webinars are estimated to be once every month, commencing mid to late September/early October 2021.