OMS VIDIN O R S S A L C G N I T C CONNE E-NEWS Connecting classrooms
E-NEWSLETTER JUNE 2012
Birmingham-Russia-Italy-Israel-Bulgaria (Vidin)
Connecting classrooms for better future The British Council, a cultural relations body set up to build trust with the people of other countries through the arts, education, English language and its wider culture. The work of the British Council is precious because it is built upon trust earned over time. But trust requires a willingness to listen. Real friendship cannot survive in a one-way street, but thrives on mutuality and exchange. Britain 's own articulate and diverse citizenry gives the British Council a depth of cultural resource that few countries can draw upon. Cultural diversity at home fosters an understanding of the importance of listening to different points of view in other nations. Connecting Classrooms project was initiated in 2010 by the British Council in the region of Europe, to create sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships between Ministries, districts, Local Authorities in the UK and Europe . These partnerships are to build trust and understanding between people in different societies and develop in young learners the cultural awareness and skills they need to mature into global citizens – positive contributors, in life and work, to the global society, through projects around issues of inclusion and community cohesion.
The acceptance of Bulgaria into the The British Council’s project “Connecting Classrooms” is in lign with the beginning of the reform of grade-school e ducati o n, which the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science is undertaking One of the goals of this reform is to break down the old framework of teaching; to transition from the traditional classroom system, to an interactive community which gives the opportunity to develop the potential of each student.
Connecting Classrooms project complements and has synergy with the school partnership and teacher professional development offers available from the EU, Council of Europe and other educational organisations in Europe. The current debate related to inclusion is taking place at different levels: political, social, economic and educational. This is extensively covered through the media, especially when disturbances arise as a result of disadvantage, misunderstanding and distrust. Policy makers in all European countries have expressed the need to tackle the issues and inclusion and improving minority achievement have been affirmed as a central goal of education policy across Europe . There is a clear understanding that it is essential for European countries to develop and use all of their human capital effectively in order to remain competitive in a fast moving world. This is recognised by member states and there is not a country in the EU that has not issued public statements about the need to ensure that none of its human resources and talents are excluded.
In a period of 2 years, the project worked on Collaborative Curriculum projects, Teachers Professional Development and Young Leaders trainings in leadership, cultural awareness and global citizenship and will gave young leaders the opportunity to participate fully in school projects. In the final year 3 of the project, the Connecting Classrooms will bring together partners from across the participating 20 European countries to outline the way forward to sustainable joint curricular projects in the network and beyond. Krassimira Tantcheva Partnership Projects Manager British Council
The Project “Connecting Classrooms” – Strengthens the Reform of Education in Bulgaria Another aspect of the reform is developing the education of the whole society. The project, “Connecting Classrooms,” supports to the greatest degree this element of the reform by adding an international dimension. The students’ interest in participation in the project’s activities shows
that such activties must be developed and enriched. For the teachers, participation is a unique chance to exchange experi e nce s wi t h o t he r teachers from the entire world, thereby raising their own professionaliam to a higher level.
By i nfo rma ti o na l technologies, the project succeeds not just in connecting classrooms, but also in making new friendships and partnerships. Silvia Kantcheva State expert Ministry of Education,
Youth and Science