International Partnerships

Nothing brings global learning to life or makes the classroom a more engaging and inspiring place for young people than the opportunity to learn, interact and collaborate with peers in other countries.

International school partnerships encourage students to deepen their learning experiences through joint learning activities that explore global and sustainable development themes with international peers. Pupils’ global learning competencies, communication skills and an appreciation for cultural diversity are reinforced through collaboration and provides motivation to put learning practices into action; making a difference in their community and the wider world. They also offer teachers the chance to share experiences and learn new practices from colleagues in other countries.

Get inspired by the possibilities of International Schools Partnerships by hearing first hand from participating local teachers and schools in our case studies.

The British Council can help your school make connections locally and globally. They offer an online partner-finding tool to help build international connections, as well as guidance and training to support you in getting the most from your international school partnerships.

Find out more about setting up a partnership with a school overseas by visiting the British Council website, signing up to their schools' newsletter, emailing schools@britishcouncil.org or following them at @Schools_British for the latest news and information.

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

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