A WORCESTER school has formed a partnership with a South African school as part of its global education programme.

Ian Tait, from St George’s CE Primary School, has created the connection with Cathcart RC Primary School, in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The school in St George's Lane North is taking part in the programme because of its ‘commitment to preparing young people to make a positive contribution to their world.’

Mr Tait said: “The opportunity to connect with classrooms in a contrasting global location is a real first for the school and the children are looking forward to finding out about how their lives are similar and different.”

Connecting Classrooms will enable Mr Tait to take part in an exchange visit with the partner school to share experiences and success in teaching and implementing global learning in both schools.

He added: “Connecting Classrooms will provide the children with the chance to learn about how poverty and inequality can affect life chances and how education can be a method of creating understanding and compassion of others.”

READ MORE:

Woman's anger as £720 furniture, from Oak Furnitureland, arrived damaged THREE times

Worcester's Coffee Dough re-opened after being closed for two years

Sipho Nuntsu from Cathcart RC Primary said: “It is a most marvellous opportunity to share learning and understanding and we are looking forward to sharing our lives with St George’s.”

Connecting Classrooms is run in over 30 countries by the British Council in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID).

It works with schools across the globe to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make a positive contribution to their world.

The programme enables teachers not only to teach these skills to children in their classroom, but also to visit partner schools in other countries to exchange insights and ideas on how to improve teaching and global learning in their schools.

Students are working with their peers in South Africa on a cross-curricula project with areas of study covering geography, religious education, personal social health and citizens education, maths and literacy.

Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the British Council, said: “I am delighted that St George’s CE Primary School in Worcester is taking on this excellent opportunity to develop their professional practice by collaborating with teachers from South Africa and the UK.

“Their commitment to equip young people with skills and understanding for life and work in an increasingly global economy is to be commended.”