# data[].attributes.headline
Start planning for the International School award 

# data[].attributes.subject
Start planning for the International School award 

# data[].attributes.body
Are you just starting? - Foundation Stage

Found a partner and getting everyone involved - Intermediate stage

Really working with your partner and activities throughout the year. - Full International School Award - ISA

Time to renew, have you talked to the school down the road, in your academy chain or perhaps further afield- encourage them with their global/ international journey - reaccreditation.

# data[].attributes.body
We are pleased to have been accepted into two British Council UK Expert Specialist Consultant Pools.

Lot 1: Facilitation ogf Guided Partnerships

Lot 3: Content producers, Speakers and Representatives and Workshop Providers.

We are hopeful that this might provide some exciting opportunities in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
Travel grant funding

UK secondary schools with established partnerships with French schools are invited to apply for a one-off grant of up to £5,000 to support international travel for young people.

Applications are open until 31 January 2025.

The Year of the Snake

The Chinese New Year is set for 29 January 2025, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake and bringing in various traditional celebrations.

This educational pack designed for primary schools includes resources and activities to help teachers and pupils learn more about this important spring festival and explore Chinese language and culture.

Pupils can read a traditional Chinese folktale about the legend of Lady White Snake and discover some facts about these fascinating reptiles. They can also find out about Chinese festivals, learn vocabulary linked to celebrations and get creative making paperchain snakes and delicious leaf-wrapped rice dumplings.

Are you going to celebrate Chinese New Year with the Year of the Snake pack? If so, we would love to hear from you. If you have any stories, photographs or film clips, share them on social media and tag us:

https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/year_of_the_snake_education_pack.pdf

Modern Language Assistants

Want support with modern languages in your school - how about an assistant - perhaps share with another school.

99% of schools would recommend our Language Assistants programme. Hiring a language assistant helps your students develop their language skills and understand other cultures. Applications open 26 February.

# data[].attributes.body
After working in two large secondary schools, mainly teaching geography but also motor vehicle, I became a Local Authority adviser for international education for almost six years. During this time, I visited schools of all types across Humberside Local Authority and managed many British Council projects both locally and regionally. At that time there was relatively little on offer for school partnerships but that was about to change with the launch of Comenius in 1995. I moved to the University of Hull in 1996 where I ran the International Resource Centre for Schools and Colleges, part of the School of Education. In this capacity I managed regional programmes, all school related, on behalf of the British Council and Department for International Development (DfID) and through these provided global and international education support to many of the 2400 schools in the Yorkshire and Humber region. I also co-ordinated numerous EU projects up to and including Erasmus + until the UK left the programme in 2020. I worked as an evaluator for a range of organisations and evaluated school, youth and adult education projects. Working with colleagues in the School of Education we ran DfID projects in Vietnam and Thailand focussed on the use of mobile technologies in the classroom and especially for citizen science projects. Along with other colleagues I founded UK Global Learning Association for Schools (UKGLAS) in 1996 as a registered charity and later in 2012 we worked together to establish the Global Learning Association (GLA), our not-for-profit company. I was Director of the GLA from 2012 – 2023 and in this role managed our Connecting Classrooms projects plus several Erasmus + in-service visits. I continue to manage the International School Award assessment contract which we first gained in 2015 and I also maintain our websites. I am a member of the GLA Executive Committee and remain as chair of UKGLAS.

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know that the European Parliament funds a programme which is still open for UK secondary schools.

Find out about the Ambassador School Programme.

https://epas.org.uk/

This is an annual programme of accreditation open to all secondary schools and colleges in the UK and the EU. It enables students to learn more about European parliamentary democracy, organise and take part in practical activities related to the EU, and engage with their community and Members of the European Parliament.

The programme is fully funded by the European Parliament, so it is free for your school or college to take part.

# data[].attributes.headline
Curriculum ideas for a global/ international dimension

# data[].attributes.subject
Curriculum ideas for a global/ international dimension

# data[].attributes.body
Wondering where to start? Aware of various events such as European Day of Languages, Fair Trade Fortnight, World Water Day.

School doesn't have a very diverse community - how can I help my pupils to have a more global outlook?

# data[].attributes.body
Thinking of applying? Other local schools have been successful. We are here to help.

Go to our Padlet about Turing

https://padlet.com/marionemills/the-turing-scheme-8vjkmo2ed5s7ikaq

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the Turing Scheme The UK's global programme for studying, working and living abroad, offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for personal and professional development for students. Organisations can now register for the Turing Scheme 2022-23 About the scheme The Turing Scheme is the UK government's programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world.

# data[].attributes.body
UKGLAS was part of a successful Erasmus + project which used art as a stimulus for work based on eight different global and social themes.

Many of these could be used as a basis for collaborative work with a partner school. Or to provoke discussion in your classroom.

Go to our Padlet which will provide links to the project website as well as ideas for use in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
Waiting news of successful Turing applications 

# data[].attributes.subject
Waiting news of successful Turing applications 

# data[].attributes.body
Several members have used the experience of this year's success to enable them to to help schools to put in applications. Watch out for updates!

# data[].attributes.body
Linda Barker – Director of the Global Learning Association (GLA)

Hello! I have been working in the specialist area of global and international learning for over 20 years now. I started out as a primary teacher and then around the Millenium took a big step to work at the School of Education at the University of Nottingham. Since then I’ve worked in lots of different roles – in a Global Learning Centre, as a Local Advisor for the Global Learning Programme, and freelance on a range of projects and consultancies with the British Council, Local Authorities, Government Departments and Development NGOs. A couple of years ago I became the Director of the GLA, our trading arm.

I am completely committed to and passionate about global learning and believe that every child deserves an education that widens horizons, forges connections internationally and empowers learners locally, nationally and globally to take action for a kinder, fairer and more sustainable world.

At GLA I offer expertise in designing and delivering teacher training and CPD, resource writing and project management. Nearly always working as part of a team, which I very much enjoy, current examples of my work include the Stronger Together resources and the Turing project, Linking Lives, with Denmark.

# data[].attributes.headline
Wendy de Corte - Deputy Director of the Global Learning Association.

# data[].attributes.subject
Wendy de Corte - Deputy Director of the Global Learning Association.

# data[].attributes.body
I have been working in global and International education for the last 15 years either in teaching or as now as an independent global educational consultant. I am committed to advancing global education and fostering international collaboration as I believe every young person should have the opportunity to engage collaboratively with students around the world, whether digitally or in person on exchange visits.

For over 35 years I worked as teacher in various educational establishments and for the last 10 years of my teaching career I coordinated international exchanges for teachers and students, which ignited my passion for global learning and intercultural dialogue. I have since expanded this experience through my work on numerous global education initiatives, including Comenius, Erasmus+, eTwinning, Connecting Classrooms, and for the past four years, The Turing Programme, which provides opportunities for students in various fields to study abroad. My expertise as an assessor for the International Schools Award also allows me to support schools in their global education efforts and recognise excellence in international school partnerships.

I have been dedicated to promoting education as a catalyst for social change and creating pathways for students and educators to thrive in a globalised world. Global education allows teachers and students to build stronger educational networks, develop advocacy. foster mutual understanding, and impactful initiatives that equip learners for success in an interconnected society.

Currently I am managing several school International projects with UK and European schools as well as delivering CPD training for the teachers and providing resources to enhance the projects.

# data[].attributes.body
Chris Williams - Treasurer UKGLAS and GLA

I have been working in non-selective state secondary schools in Glossop, Stockport and currently Lincoln since 1986. In childhood I enjoyed the plusses and minuses of multiple family postings and completed his education and training at East Anglia, Exeter, Sheffield Poly and the new University in Lincoln.  A five week solo hitch-hiking journey from Athens back to the UK in 1967 convinced me to change my degree course to European Studies so that I had at least foreign language at a higher level. My first overseas employment was teaching English conversation in a Czech summer camp in August 1968, and then a year in the Ardeche dovetailed with three summers at Camp Wing in Massachusetts.

In 34 years as a teacher of history and latterly Deputy Head and Acting Head at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, I have felt very strongly that most pupils who don’t travel havemore narrow view of the world. He was therefore determined to work his foresighted head to develop lasting multilateral relations. We had over 20 years in two different European multilaterals with annual exchanges, a link with a Pennsylvanian high school and three band exchanges, largely funded, I now confess from the profits from the chocolate machines, and nearly 20 years with a Chinese partner. LCHS hosted multiple Comenius and Erasmus+ CPD visits, and I was a workshop leader several times at multilateral venues. mostly in eastern Europe. I also steered a number of Connecting Classrooms projects with North Africa and the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa

Sadly the opportunities of those glorious years have largely disappeared with Covid, Brexit and political changes. However, there is some new life here. The Turing scheme, although non-reciprocal, is making some overseas travel possible for some pupils. In 2024-2025 GLA was successful in supporting ten applications for twenty schools in Warrington, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. And there is the iconic International School Award which LCHS has held continuously since it stated in 1999. It is my hope that in the next year GLA Associates will be able to bring hundreds of UK schools to the ISA Foundation level (or higher) and that more will be encouraged to apply for Turing funding. And, don’t hold your breath, we hope that UK schools will get back into eTwinning sooner rather than later.

# data[].attributes.body
I spent all my career of almost 45 years in Primary Education, for the last 23 as a headteacher of a school where we fully embraced the International Dimension. Receiving the International School Award seven times from its conception.

We took part in several Comenius Projects and then Erasmus + projects. We were involved in some exciting projects where we were able to travel with pupils. We always met as a whole group taking it in turns to host.

I feel priveleged that I was able to facilitate pupils travelling to Italy, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Finland and then to the Netherlands.

As a school we also visited just as teachers the schools above but also others in Turkey, a nursery in the Czech Republic and also attend courses in Italy , Ireland and Malta. For several years we partnered a school in Uganda and seven staff in total visited, some several times and we were able to host a similar number of Ugandans.

There is so much to learn from each of the different countries, their culture, food, language and their slightly differing approaches to education.

Our pupils gained so much, and were very welcoming to the numerous visitors we had to school - when they were doing there own Erasmus visits. The ripple effect went further with parents and the wider community becoming involved.

One thing that will always stick in my mind was the visiting choir from Nigeria. They started playing football at lunch time without any shoes - quite spontaneously our children took off their shoes and joined them.

Your school can also develop the enthusiasm for the International Dimension which helps children to grow into global citizens.

Since joining UKGLAS I have been able to be part of the ISA assessment team, support the Erasmus Art Project and be able to contribute to the Stronger Together materials.

Currently I am the secretary for the association.

# data[].attributes.headline
How can a teacher or a school get involved?

# data[].attributes.subject
How can a teacher or a school get involved?

# data[].attributes.body
You might already be developing an global aspect to your curriculum or developing the international dimension throughout the school or you might wish to enhance and enliven your curriculum but don't quite know where to start.

As members of UKGLAS we have a vast experience in both in including these aspects in school curriculums and in schools to get started or supporting schools develop their work. We can help you but similarly your ideas and actions can serve to support and encourage others in their quest to ensure that pupils develop a global awareness and an active interest in shared world goals, whilst learning about and from differnt countries and cultures.

Some of our linked Padlets have the option to make comments or ask questions. We will check these out regularly so that hopefully a dialogue can start where we can all learn from each other.

Remember if you receive this padlet link you can pass it on to other interested teachers and educators. Sharing ideas with others in your locality is always helpful and you can encourage each other to try new activities.

If you receive this padlet and you are already an experienced teacher / head who has already received an INternational School Award or has extensive experience incorporating sustainable development goals or running educational visits overseas you might consider becoming a member of UKGLAS.

Now that the Erasmus programme is no longer available (at the moment) we have to find other ways of creating links with schools. Teachers are some of the most creative people around so why not apply to join us and spread your expertise.

# data[].attributes.body
Well done to UKGLAS members Wendy de Corte and Linda Barker who worked really hard to ensure that pupils in five schools in the Warrington area had an amazing time in Denmark when they linked with five different schools over there.

The theme that they used to unite them and form a basis for collaborative work was, 'Healthy Life styles'. They also enjoyed seeing the Danish schools and enjoying local culture.

See more about the Turing scheme on an additional Padlet

https://padlet.com/marionemills/the-turing-scheme-8vjkmo2ed5s7ikaq

# data[].attributes.body
Some members become Global Learning Associates and undertake work on behalf of the not -for-profit registered company.

We have worked on an Art based Erasmus project

The padlet Linking Art with Social and Global Issues showcases some ideas to use in the classroom.

We have also worked with the British Council to produce some Workshop documents for their series of events called 'Stronger Together'. These focused on current relevant issues and although they were intended for 16-19 year olds provide valuable material for all age groups including adults.

To see more go to the Padlet called Stronger Together.

As an ongoing contract with the British Council, some GLA members are part of the assessment team for the International School Award. Between us we have a great deal of experience of both being in schools that have successfully achieved the award multiple times as well as having completed many assessments.

Take a look at the padlet Curriculum ideas for a global / international dimension.

# data[].attributes.body
UK Global Learning for Schools - UKGLAS

The overall aim of the Association is to support the membership as they work with schools, school networks and support organisations to develop an international outlook and prepare learners for life in an increasingly globalised society.

UKGLAS is a registered charity - Charity Number 1063668

A fuller decription can be found on the website.

# data[].attributes.body
A Padlet highlighting the materials for a series of webinars and workshops between schools across Europe which encouraged young people aged 16-19 to consider and take action.

# data[].attributes.headline
UKGLAS is here to  help you gain International Award accreditation.

# data[].attributes.subject
UKGLAS is here to  help you gain International Award accreditation.

# data[].attributes.body
Across the membership we have extensive experience of both completing the award and assessing others.

We can help with ideas

We can help with ways of evaluating what has happened.

We can help understand if something is a valid activity.

We can put you in touch with other practitioners.

We might be able to recommend possible school partners.

Look here to find out information about promotion events or how to contact us for support.

Find information on the British Council Website

https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/accreditation/international-school-award

There are also ideas on the Padlet

Curriculum ideas for a global / international dimension in your school.

# data[].attributes.body
Opportunities to gain funding for a joint project with a German School - you don't have to teach German language inorder to make an application.

https://ukgermanconnection.org/pp/funding/instant-impact/

The organisation can sometimes help with finding German partner schools. Also remember this facility on the British Council website.

Funding gained is shared between the UK school and the German school.

funding@ukgermanconnection.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instant Impact – Professionals & Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
“Our first-time trip was an absolutely mindblowing experience for all the kids involved. They learned more about Germany in 4 days at our partner school than I could ever teach them in the classroom.”