Connecting Classrooms from across the world

Pupils from Kirkwall Grammar and Papdale Primary Schools are linking with counterparts in Pakistan and Nepal as part of a unique global education programme, Connecting Classrooms.

The programme, which will see young people from Orkney forge new partnerships with a Government Boys’ Secondary School in Pakistan and Nexus International Academy in Nepal, is run in over 30 countries by the British Council in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Working with schools across the globe, the initiative seeks to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make a positive contribution to their world.

The programme enables teachers not only to teach these skills to children in their classroom, but also to visit partner schools in other countries to exchange insights and ideas on how to improve teaching and global learning in their schools.

Kirkwall Grammar School Head Teacher Don Hawkins said: “Connecting Classrooms will support and help our pupils understand the big issues that shape their world.

It will equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make a positive contribution. This is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for the young people of Kirkwall Grammar and Papdale Primary Schools and I am happy to support this partnership.”

Students are working with their counterparts in Pakistan and Nepal on exciting projects learning about poverty, inequalities, and life on land and below water.

Theophilus Ogbhemhe, Teacher of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies at KGS, added:

“The Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme is a fantastic opportunity because in today’s increasingly globalised society, it is critical that young people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to operate internationally.

“I think this opportunity will bring international learning to life in our schools and, with the range of opportunities and resources the programme brings; we know we can make a difference.”

Kirkwall Grammar School’s Modern Studies Teacher, Lyn Wilson, said it was “heartening” to see how much had already been done through existing coursework and Learning for Sustainability on raising awareness of the issues, particularly with regard to reducing inequality and promoting quality education.

“We look forward to working as part of a partnership to share ideas and common goals and to help ensure that Learning for Sustainability is given the importance that it deserves within the curriculum,” she said.

Papdale Primary School Depute Head Teacher, Michele Dufort, said the school was very excited to be invited to participate in the programme.

“Papdale Primary School has a tradition of working with the Global Goals since their start in 2015. The school’s Eco Club (now referred to as The Papdale Voices) has led school wide projects over the years focusing on different Global Goals.

“We are committed to this initiative and have led the way in our school and community. We are so excited to be teamed up with Nexus International Academy in Nepal. We look forward to working together on Global Goals to find the similarities and differences between our schools and cultures. By connecting together we can build a brighter, stronger more sustainable future.”

The key elements of Orkney’s planned partnership activities include shedding light on issues of poverty and inequality and highlighting the fact that destruction of local environments are universal problems. Pupils will through tasks, be able to identify, explain and evaluate the causes of poverty, inequality and environmental destruction, ways to deal with their root causes with the aim of making improvements.

Muhammad Idrees, from Government Boys’ Secondary School Pakistan, said: “Our partnership is the miracle of this century. It is the right place to start in our pledge to make the world a global village. The project Kirkwall Grammar School is planning to execute with us, will support our poor students and motivate them in their quest to get out of poverty.

“I am happy that we picked Kirkwall Grammar School and Papdale Primary School as part of our working partners. This is because they have over the years woven together global citizenship, sustainable development education and outdoor learning to create coherent, rewarding and transformative learning experiences for their students. We hope to benefit from this wealth of experience.”

Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, said: “I am delighted that Kirkwall Grammar School and Papdale Primary School in Orkney are taking on this excellent opportunity to develop their professional practice by collaborating with teachers from Pakistan, Nepal and the UK. Their commitment to equip young people with skills and understanding for life and work in an increasingly global economy is to be commended.”