Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning: Supported Partnerships

Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning could open the door to a world of new learning opportunities for your school, and without the need to apply for funding. Supported Partnerships from the British Council is easy to register, quick to get started and is pretty much a 'ready to go' project idea-based classroom resource.

Now on the third round, Supported Partnerships applications are open until 17 September 2021.

What are Supported Partnerships?

Supported partnerships are designed for schools new to international collaboration and who would prefer to start their global learning journey without the need to apply for grant funding.

A cluster of schools - a maximum of five NI and five overseas schools - will work together on a project linked to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is also related to COP26, the United Nation's Climate Change Conference being held in Glasgow during November 2021. The project will be delivered during November and December 2021.

Our Schools Advisors will help you develop your project through three one-hour webinars that will take place November/December, delivered by an experienced global learning practitioner on behalf of the British Council. You'll be provided with guidance, CPD and support to answer any questions or discuss any project ideas you might have.

Which schools can participate and from which geographical location?

As a member of a Northern Ireland cluster, you'll be grouped with up to five other schools from across the province and matched with an equivalent cluster of the same number of participating schools overseas. Participating countries for this round (third iteration) are: Bangladesh and Pakistan (South Asia), Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe (Sub-Saharan Africa) and Lebanon, Tunisia, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territory) and Morocco (Middle-East and North Africa).

Why should I take part?

As children’s worlds have become smaller over the consecutive lockdowns, an international partnership will help broaden their horizon and provide exciting new learning opportunities. Through the programme, you'll be able share best practices with your school cluster and learn transferable skills that will help pupils develop the attitudes they'll need to live and work in a global economy.

Participating is simple - we'll find the overseas partner schools for you!

All schools taking part will automatically qualify to apply for the International School Award Foundation Level giving you formal recognition for your work. And, as we said earlier, you can apply for funding to take your partnership work further after the initial three-month project, if you wish.

Supported partnerships will also help you discover many other ways that the British Council can support your school’s international collaboration, professional development and opportunities for students; inside and outside the classroom.

All we need for you to start your Supported Partnership is some baseline information about your school - and agreement from your headteacher or another leader that you can be released to take part in the programme.

How do I take part?

To apply for participation in Supported Partnerships between November and December 2021, please complete and sign this agreement (including participant and school leadership), making sure you read all information carefully before submitting by 17 September 2021.

If you have any questions, feel free to email schools@britishcouncil.org or schools@centreforglobaleducation.com.

Project Completion

Once you've completed your project, your local global learning advisor will write up a short evaluation report, with your input. You can then apply for funds to further develop your partnerships, if desired, and start to look at other funded programmes like an Online Schools Partnership or International Schools Partnership where reciprocal school visits are funded, post-Covid travel lockdown restrictions.

You'll find more about these programmes by clicking on the links above or selecting the various tabs on the left handside of our Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning page. You can also visit the British Council's 'Apply for Funding' page.

If you'd like to introduce Global Learning, the SDGs and COP26 in your classroom during 2021, Supported Partnerships will support all your learning, teaching and international collaboration requirements.

Picture of Tanya Davis - Bridge Integrated Primary School

Bridge Integrated Primary School enjoyed their 'Educating for a Fair & Sustainable World' Intermediate Course with 'Eco-Schools: A Global Dimension' and 'Communication & Literacy Through a Global Learning Lens' as their two thematic workshops. Here's what they had to say about us:

"The trainer's delivery and content included in her presentation and interactive activities were very well received by the staff in attendance: Principal, VP, WAU Coordinators, Literacy Coordinator, Inclusion & Diversity and GL Coordinators, and Shared Education partner. They are all looking forward to availing of more great training in the future".

Tanya Davis - Bridge Integrated Primary School

Staff from Holy Evangelists' Primary School in Belfast chose 'Promoting Mutual Understanding through Inquiry and Mapping' and 'Global Learning through the World Around Us' as their two thematic workshops.

"The training was very informative and thought-provoking, and gave good ideas to use in the classroom and school as well as how to become involved in the local community. We came away with lots of useful activities and practical suggestions about how we can link global learning to our topics and planners. We loved working with the trainer - she was so approachable; and we are looking forward to our next session in January".

Paula McWilliams - Holy Evangelists' Primary School

Picture of Victor Coert - Kilkeel High School

Ten teachers from Kilkeel High School benefitted from free in-school CPD on Introduction to Global Learning and Introduction to Facilitating Pupil-Action Projects, Autumn 2019.

"The trainer did a fantastic job and the feedback from staff was very positive. As Principal, I was delighted that the material shared was applicable to so many subject areas". Victor Coert, Principal.

"This training really got me thinking abut the true impact of the products that we use everyday. I will teach my design processes differently. Most enjoyable training session this year!" Alan Crutchey, Head of Design & Technology.

Victor Coert - Kilkeel High School

In St Louise’s College our students are very interested and enthusiastic about gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them. They are becoming increasingly aware of complex issues on a global scale. Being involved with the programme has provided us as a school with additional resources and through excellent CPD opportunities has allowed me to work with colleagues from other sectors and regions. I look forward to developing some project ideas in the near future as a direct result of recent training events. I wholeheartedly recommend getting involved with this excellent team.

Brenda Kelly - St Louise's Comprehensive College

The programme is a fantastic way to drive schools on in their efforts to help achieve the fair and sustainable world we all want. It focuses on young people, and ourselves as individuals, to be the steering group in initiating a change in attitude and sparking the motivation needed to take action. Lots of support is available from the programme facilitators and other leaders with a brilliant variety of resources at our fingertips. I am excited about getting the whole school and community engaged in global learning and feel it is important that all generations should have an awareness of the fragile nature of our planet.

Nadine Gallagher - Shimna Integrated College

The programme providies teachers with lesson ideas and how to embed global learning across our school curriculum, both primary and secondary. I am very appreciative of this opportunity to learn from such an inspirational team. I highly recommend that all schools should participate and develop the tools necessary to teach our children about global issues.

Olivia Smith - Lismore Comprehensive