School Linking
A fundamental objective in education for community cohesion is helping all
learners to widen and deepen their understanding and appreciation of people
from different backgrounds. Some of this is inevitably done by learning about
other people, their lifestyles and their beliefs and values. Under the right
circumstances, however, direct personal contact with others who have different
backgrounds provides powerful learning that can't be replicated on paper or
video.
The page on 'Learning from visitors' has further discussion of this and
there is much evidence elsewhere to show that experiential learning is the only
way to change and develop positive attitudes to difference. The report on
'Diversity and Citizenship in the Curriculum' and the report of the
Commission for Integration and Cohesion both recommended greater use of school
partnerships to allow learners from different areas and from different cultural
backgrounds to meet and learn together and from each other.
Best practice
School links will only be productive when certain principles are adhered to and
these need careful consideration and planning in each case. Linking work must
be blended into the curriculum so that staff and learners understand and
develop mutual learning objectives. Careful planning is also needed to avoid
risks of misunderstandings and different expectations between the
schools.
The Schools Linking Network has been established to provide support and
information for schools seeking educational linking projects with other schools
in the UK. This network has two main elements:
- A gateway at the Schools Linking Network allows schools to seek a linking partner school online, with support and training on how to develop and sustain the link from the Schools Linking Network advisers. The website will also hold resources and training materials
- Facilitation and support of School Linking Projects in 40 local authorities
over the next 3 years. These programmes develop community cohesion within local
authorities by facilitating local school linking, are based on tried and tested
successful models in Bradford and Tower Hamlets and adapted to local
needs.
Teaching learning and curriculum
Learning from people outside the school
Page created: 6 May 2008
