Planning and preparation
It is important to clearly define learning
objectives in the planning stage. Depending on the chosen format
teachers can plan co-operatively or individually.
The events need to be carefully planned so that negative
stereotypical attitudes are avoided. Once the outline plan has been
agreed and the countries chosen then it is possible to consider
ways to make the experience as rich as possible.
For International Education Week we have included a
downloadable press release for schools to use to promote their IEW
activities.
Points to consider:
- A number of national organisations can provide speakers to
schools, and your local Development Education Centre (DEC) may be
able to provide information local speakers who could come to your
school.
- Prepare a press release with photos and a named contact for
local newspapers and radio.
- Tell BBC WorldClass - they may be
able to contact local radio or TV to come to your event.
- Investigate local sponsorship - can Governors help
here?
- A local supermarket may be willing to
donate food from countries for a sampling session
- A local restaurant may be willing to give a
cookery demonstration
- Ask parents for any artefacts or contacts they
may have
- Involve local politicians and twinning
associations
- Approach Education Business Partnerships
- Consider ways in which partner schools can be
involved e.g. secondary, primary, overseas
- Arrange video conferencing
- It may be helpful to have a dedicated budget or
fundraising ideas to pay for specific resources and outside
speakers/performers.
Planning helps ensure that aims are consistent and clear,
that there is a balance of activities and additional support if
necessary.
Abbeymead Primary School found that a Mind mapping
exercise helped with using a theme across the curriculum and
supported the themes of Italy, Kenya and Japan with visits and
events.