More details

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

School Linking gives students of different faiths, beliefs and cultures opportunities to meet and learn from each other. The programme encourages pupils to feel confident and curious as they meet people from different backgrounds.

KEY DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME

• The programme matches students from different cultural or faith backgrounds to explore issues of identity, community and belief.
• The Link Teacher will lead one class, partnering with a teacher and class from another Linking school. The classes will meet for 3 Link days in the academic year.
• The Link days are centered around students improving their communication skills; to articulate their own identity and viewpoint as well as to empathise with other points of view. In this way the programme helps the schools with their SMSC and British Values provision, fostering an understanding and respect for difference.
• The programme requires that lead Link teachers attend 2 CPD training days.
• At the CPD days teachers will receive training, resources and support in planning for 3 Link days with their partner schools. They will also be able to plan for their Link days with their partner teacher.
• The first Link day takes place in a neutral venue, then the next two take place at either school.
• The training is free and some funding is made available for travel and venue hire.

“I feel that the project has been very successful in breaking down prejudice and increasing the children’s awareness of the diverse society in which we live. I hope the pupils will share the lessons learned through this experience with the other children from the school as well as with family and friends. The schools are already planning to develop more school links next year.”

Lead Teacher, Primary School