BBC World Class - Twin for 2012

Successful school partnerships

British Council tips to make your link work

Start with the Basics

• Set clear aims and objectives.

• Adopt an equity-based approach.

• Base plans on the strengths and needs of each school.

• Embed the partnership in school life.

• Secure support of senior management.

• Plan including a communication plan.

• Designate roles & responsibilities.

• Make contingency plans.

• Monitor and evaluate.

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Communication

Effective communication is the key to a successful partnership:

• Write a communications plan and stick to it.

• Email, Skype, phone calls, text, video conference are all possibilities, as well as traditional post - don't forget to exchange addresses. Decide what will work best for your partnership in the beginning and be prepared to adapt.

• Be clear about the details - Who? How often? What number? Which addresses?

• Consider shared websites perfect for project-based discussions, forums, displaying project work.

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Project Planning

As well as the Olympic Dreams 2012 project, involve as many pupils as possible using the 'World', 'Olympic' and 'Dreams' themes.

• within which subjects and year groups could you incorporate the themes?

• aim to embed the project into the curriculum; this is the best way for it to be really successful. For example, geography projects on the rivers of China; comparative history projects on the UK and France or science projects comparing climate in the UK and Pakistan.

• think about having achievable, bite-size projects that will give your partnership a sense of achievement when completed - these will lead on to larger scale projects over the course of your partnership.

• remember that there could be a language barrier with your partners; consider this when planning together and be patient.

• project examples

World : start up projects - culture in a box / world outside my window

Olympics: themes from the athlete's experiences eg competes against the odds - personal best - struggle against injury - or general sports exchange - competitions - cultural events

Dreams: what are the dreams and aspirations of your pupils and those in your partner school? How can your schools' pupils achieve their dreams?

Take a look at the Olympic Dreams plan and the template plan.

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Making the project fun

If the project isn't fun then pupils are unlikely to want to do it and it won't be sustainable! Think about the following:

• International Days within schools; have themed lessons, language classes, art or music workshops to get the whole school involved.

• Sport, dance, art or music-based projects.

• Share simple language work so the pupils get used to being global citizens

• Display boards are a great way for pupils to show off photos and create a focus for the partnership. Run a photo competition for the pupils on a project theme and see what you get.

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Involving the community

This is a really useful way of getting additional support for your partnership so why not think about the following:

• How can you involve your local community through your global link?

• Hold an international day; invite parents, local community representatives and local businesses.

• Utilise the community you live in; if there are speakers of your partner language ask them to teach a class for the project. If there are parents who can teach dance/art/craftwork or even just relay stories of their origin-countries, get them into school

• Break down the inter-generational gap by asking elderly people in your local community to come into schools to share their experiences, life stories and skills.

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Comparing Education Systems

Make time to discuss this as it will have a big influence on how the project will work:

• Who runs the school? What is the role of the Headteacher/Principal?

• What is the teaching style?

• Is the school facing changes or in a stable system?

• What type of school is it? State, private and faith schools?

• What age do pupils begin and end compulsory education?

• What subjects are compulsory and non-compulsory?

• How flexible is the curriculum - who decides how to teach the subject?

• How are pupils and teachers addressed?

• What are the ages of transition between schools?

• When are the school exams (national/local/school) and holiday times?

• What choices do students have following compulsory education?

• What are the employment issues for teachers e.g. permanent or temporary contracts/national?