Shetland : The Global Classroom
What is this?
This project aimed to share learning and teaching experiences using ICT links with partner schools in Japan, South Africa and Germany. Initially aspects of Advanced Higher Maths were shared with the Japanese partner school, Advanced Higher South African History with partner schools in South Africa and aspects of Higher and Advanced Higher German and English with the German partner school.
FLaT involvement?
FLaT provided support in order to pilot the establishment of links with schools abroad, through ICT, to allow the sharing of learning and teaching experiences. This support included assistance with the creation of a Global Classroom website.
Links with National Priorities?
1. Achievement & Attainment
2. Framework for Learning
4. Values and Citizenship
5. Learning for Life
Project aims?
The project aimed to meet the learning needs of the local communities involved by sharing learning and teaching experiences within the partnership of the following schools:
- Anderson High School in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, UK
- Graf Friedrich Schule in Diepholz, Germany
- Nara Women's University Secondary School, Nara, Japan
- Langa and Wittebombe High Schools in Cape Town, South Africa
To identify future changes to the curriculum, both in the nature and format of the schools learning programmes and the way students learn.
To identify future changes to teaching methods and develop the sharing of ideas, visions, information and materials to inform the very core of the curriculum. Ideas on teaching and learning within the schools partnership will be tried out initially with senior students, with a view to making this more widely available over time.
To use ICT equipment to link the partner schools and make possible a range of learning and media styles.
Project outcomes?
Shared best practices in learning and teaching internationally through the use and development of ICT.
Built on the increasingly transnational nature of education systems and curricular developments through exploring collaborative learning and teaching, initially in a limited number of curricular areas, across national boundaries within the partnership schools.
Enabled teachers and students to acquire expertise of working within a networked curriculum through international team working.
Raised the profile of the importance of sharing best practice internationally to raise overall standards and achievements of students and schools.
Timescale?
The project started in April 2003 and ran until June 2004.
Level of support?
FLaT support was a grant of £46,849.00 plus evaluation costs.
Who are the evaluation team?
The Faculty of Education at the Univserity of Aberdeen, led by Fran Payne.
Contact Person
Stewart L Hay, Assistant Headteacher, Anderson High School, Lerwick, Shetland Islands.
Telephone : 01595 69 23 06