Primary schools go global for unique education programme

Four schools from Wolverhampton are joining forces with schools in Africa as part of a unique global education programme.

Warstones, Woodfield, Wodensfield and St Michael’s C of E primaries have forged partnerships with Kiine, Kananga and Kakaindu primary schools in Zambia via the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning project.

Issues like climate change, gender equality and how to live sustainably affect everyone, wherever they are in the world. Teaching pupils about these issues is known as global learning.

As part of the project, teachers from the four Wolverhampton schools will visit Africa during the May half-term to share their experiences and insights about how they can improve global learning in schools. Next year, teachers from Zambia will travel to Wolverhampton on a reciprocal visit.

Connecting Classrooms is run in more than 30 countries by the British Council in partnership with the Department for International Development. It works with schools across the globe to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make a positive contribution to their world.

Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, said: "I am delighted that Warstones, Woodfield, Wodensfield and St Michael’s C of E are taking on this excellent opportunity to develop their professional practice by collaborating with teachers from Zambia. Their commitment to equip young people with skills and understanding for life and work in an increasingly global economy is to be commended."

Louise Mututa, School Improvement Advisor from the City of Wolverhampton Council, and Fiona Feeney, Headteacher at Warstones Primary School, are organising May’s visit. Mrs Feeney said: "We hope that by taking part in the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning project we will give our children the chance to learn from others and their experiences.

"We want children to discover and embrace wholeheartedly the importance of everyone having the same rights and expectations for a fair and just society, and through global learning, teachers will be able to focus on key issues such as climate change, gender equality and sustainable living.”

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "It's wonderful that Warstones, Woodfield, Wodensfield and St Michaels C of E are taking part in this programme.

"All four schools have made a commitment to prepare their children and young people to make a positive contribution to their world, and Connecting Classrooms will enable teachers to help their pupils not only understand the big issues that shape our world, but also equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make a positive contribution."

For more information about Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning, visit www.britishcouncil.org/connectingclassrooms or contact schools@britishcouncil.org.

To find out more about education in Wolverhampton, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/education.