In light of the impact of Covid-19, updates are available on this page about changes to the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme.
Connecting Classrooms is a global education programme for schools, The British Council delivers the programme in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) , it is designed to help young people to develop the knowledge, skills and values to live and work in a globalised economy and contribute responsibly both locally and globally. The global programme has already reached over 18,000 schools and trained more than 28,000 teachers in 50 countries since 2012.
In the Middle East and North Africa, Connecting Classrooms has engaged over 100 policy and decision makers, provided professional development training to almost 3,000 teachers and school leaders, and engaged over 900 schools, 112 of which have run successful international partnerships with schools in the UK. In Iraq, the third round of the Connecting Classrooms programme aims to reach hundreds of teachers and head teachers through a wide range of programme activities such as professional development courses, international partnerships and International School Awards.
Recent research has shown that the majority of education systems around the world, including in the UK, are not equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in this rapidly changing, globalised environment.
The new Connecting Classrooms programme aims to address this gap in global skills by continuing to build the capacity of teachers, school leaders and policy makers to support them to integrate a range of core skills into the curriculum, thereby improving learning outcomes for young people in:
· critical thinking and problem solving
· creativity and imagination
· digital literacy
· citizenship
· student leadership
· collaboration and communication
Under Connecting Classrooms, the British Council works in partnership with ministries, education institutions and practitioners to support system and curriculum reform, professional development, and improved learning outcomes for young people.
How we're connecting classrooms
Classrooms are connected in a variety of ways, including professional development opportunities, International partnerships, online collaborations, and the International School Award (ISA).
International School Award
The International School Award is a prestigious badge of honour for schools that can bring an international dimension to teaching and learning. The accreditation aims to introduce or develop your school’s international dimension by providing:
· a framework for international partnerships and global learning
· recognition for teachers and their school
· opportunities to raise the school’s profile through local and national media.
All schools are eligible to gain the International School Award. The accreditation framework helps you to record and evaluate international work and embed it into the curriculum and whole school ethos. Your global partnership could help bring the school together and improve its sense of collective ethos and identity.
“Through this project, we tried to enrich our students' lives, inspiring interest in international cultures and global issues. This project has a positive impact not, just on our students, but also the teachers of the school. It is a leadership challenge that fosters team building, innovation, and project management skills.” - Ina’am Alawadi,Teacher and ISA coordinator.
Visit International Schools Award for more information
Partnerships
By supporting schools to enrich the curriculum and implement new practices, we help to improve teaching in the classroom, increasing engagement and improving the performance of under-achieving learners. Our programmes connect learners globally through shared learning experiences, increasing their cultural awareness and bringing more relevance to education. We help schools prepare learners for life and work by motivating them to become effective global citizens, improving employability and giving them the best opportunities to thrive, flourish and grow.
Our international programmes, resources and collaboration opportunities broaden learners’ horizons, open their eyes to global thinking and equip them with skills for today’s world.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Our high-quality professional development courses, focusing on the latest international practices, enable leaders and teachers to strengthen their knowledge and skills and to create an enriched learning experience for students. We offer training courses that are designed and developed for both teachers and school leaders, ensuring improvements and enhancements are embedded throughout every level of the school. Courses are delivered by the Connecting Classrooms global network of experienced professional trainers, who are ready to share their experience, effective practices and advice with your teachers and leaders.
Visit Connecting classrooms for more information,
Policy Dialogue
Through Connecting Classrooms, we provide policy makers with access to leading UK education experts, who provide consultancy and advice on various aspects of school systems, including curriculum development, head teacher standards and inclusive education policy, all drawing on the latest international practices and research.
International Collaboration
We support Iraq schools to develop partnerships with schools in the UK, enabling teachers and leaders to support their professional development journeys by becoming part of an international community of practice. Teachers can also access our free classroom resources designed to support joint projects with partner schools, helping students develop their core skills by collaborating and interacting with their peers across the UK.
For more information, use the following links: