With the ever changing nature of the world as we know it, socially, economically and environmentally, it’s vital that young citizens know their place in the world.
Our global education programme for Schools, Connecting Classrooms, is specifically designed to help teachers do this.
We aim to give all young people the opportunity to succeed in a globalised society. Connecting Classrooms enables students and their teachers to:
- understand issues of worldwide importance
- gain a sense of social responsibility
- develop skills to succeed in the global economy.
Since we launched Connecting Classrooms, we’ve supported numerous school links between the UK and Sierra Leone.
We have also trained teachers in ICT skills so they can communicate with their partner schools and benefit from the Connecting Classrooms website.
We have three digital hubs (internet centres) across the country where training workshops take place. All our Connecting Classrooms workshop leaders are qualified and experienced educators who have gone through thorough British Council training. In 2013/2014, over 1000 teachers and school principals attended one or more of our training events.
How we're connecting classrooms
Classrooms are connected in a variety of ways, including partnerships, online collaborations, grants for teachers to visit their partner schools and professional development opportunities.
Partnerships
Is your school involved in a partnership with a school internationally? If so, you could be eligible for funding from the Connecting Classrooms programme. Getting involved will help you develop your young people as global citizens and as a teacher, you will also benefit through sharing best practice with colleagues in other countries.
You can be part of this exciting initiative.
It’s free and simple to set up your first partnership, and we can help you incorporate global themes into your school’s curriculum and build lasting international relationships.
Grants are also available to help you set up visits with partner schools and to support projects.
If you’re interested or want to know more, check the British Council Schools Online website, or contact us.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
We also offer workshops and online courses to help you get the most out of school partnerships.
Our online courses provide information and advice on:
- the Connecting Classrooms programme
- education for global citizenship
- inter-cultural and global awareness
- successful, lasting partnerships
- ICT for international collaboration
- English for international exchange.
To register and get started on one of our courses visit the Connecting Classrooms Learning website.
Policy dialogue
We are building relationships and networking, working with education policy makers, encouraging them to develop best practice in education and global citizenship and support Sierra Leone's national priorities.
We’ll organise visits between participating countries, and inspire you to exchange and challenge ideas at international conferences. Contact us to learn more.
More information
Visit the Connecting Classrooms website to find out more about the Connecting Classrooms programme and to learn how you can get involved.