|
|
|
What is the Link Schools Programme? Pupils from Tchetsa Full Primary School with work from Gourock High School · Broadening of pupil's awareness of global issues and different environments in a meaningful way; · Development of an awareness and understanding of the meaning of global citizenship; · Challenging stereotypical beliefs and prejudices; · Improvement of children’s communication skills; · Adding a global dimension to the curriculum and supporting the 4 capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence · Exchanging resources to enhance all curriculum areas; · Development of joint curricular projects with an African school on topics such as Fairtrade, water usage, health, the rights of the child and enterprise; · Adding a global dimension to school initiatives and awards such as Eco-schools award, Health Promoting School award, International School award, Rights Respecting School award. ‘Our partnership with Gwengwere Full Primary School in Malawi has widened horizons across the whole school, and topics and projects all have a global feel. The results are very encouraging’. Susan Arnott, Teacher, Dean Park Primary School, Edinburgh. Poster by pupils from Kantchito Primary School, Malawi exploring rights to education
Develop a partnership with a rural African school
The Link Schools Programme offers your school the chance to form a partnership with a rural school in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa or Uganda. Forming a partnership with an African school can be an excellent way of introducing a global dimension to teaching and learning in your school, encouraging pupils and your school community to learn about your partner school and community life in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
African partner schools are selected from those schools involved in Link Community Development’s school improvement projects, ensuring that school improvement drives the Link Schools Programme.
In addition to forming a partnership with a Scottish school, the African schools have access to a programme of training and support from Link Community Development.
Photo credit: Robert McGoldrick
What are the benefits for your school?
There are currently 65 schools across Scotland who are part of the Link Schools Programme. The benefits of the Link Schools Programme for pupils, teachers and the school community are wide ranging:
“The training on leadership and management that was organised by LCD has really enriched me with management and leadership skills.” Mr. Malefula, Headteacher, Chanunkha Primary School, Malawi.
Setting up a partnership with a school in rural sub-Saharan Africa would enable your school to support African school improvement, and would offer the chance to a rural school to form a partnership with a Scottish school.
Photo Credit: Louise Stuart
- Colour profile of your Link School in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, or Uganda at the outset
- Link Schools Pack on CD containing guidance on starting and maintaining a link, resources on Global Citizenship and lots of supportive information
- Termly correspondence Facilitated exchange of materials
- On-going support, help and advice for both partners – via phone and email
- Annual feedback about your Link School’s school improvement progress
- Support for drawing up partnership agreements and setting aims and objectives of your partnership
- Termly newsletters with ideas for communicating with your partners and curriculum ideas
- Access to our network of Link Schools throughout the country
- School events and workshops
- Reciprocal visits support and guidance
- A relationship with and information from an international development organisation
Why is there a fee?
Sustainable partnerships with rural sub-Saharan African schools would not be possible without the kind of support offered by Link Community Development. We charge an annual fee of £500 with lower rates available for smaller schools. 50% of this amount supports the school improvement project which your partner school benefits from. The other 50% allows LCD to support your school’s partnership, and to support school improvement in sub-Saharan Africa.
Pupils from South Morningside Primary School,
Edinburgh display their learning about their Link
School in Malawi
Photo credit: Louise Stuart
How can we find out more?
To ask questions and talk to us about joining the programme contact us.
