IGF Group walkers are proud to sponsor Jodie Cobb - the sponsorship raised will all go to getting Jodie to Sierra Leone on the Exchange Program.

How our Education Partnerships work

Mutual Benefit

Our Educational Partnerships are of mutual benefit to the global citizenship education of pupils/students and the professional development of teachers both here and in Sierra Leone.

They support the schools need to demonstrate Equality and Diversity, Global Awareness and Learning, and Cultural Capital. They also support understanding of climate change.

Involving whole communities

For institutions to gain maximum advantage from partnerships, as far as possible they should involve their whole communities. Limiting the participation just to one or two link teachers and classes in each institution greatly lessens the benefit. Consequently, the whole-hearted backing and interest of the senior management of each institution is essential.

Link teachers

Academies, colleges and schools involved are expected to nominate one or two link teachers who will attend meetings which are held after school about 4 - 5 times a year. We expect them to report back to their colleagues, take the actions agreed at the meetings, and to bring concerns from their institutions to the meetings for resolution.

Professional Exchange and Development

Teacher exchanges and professional development are key to our aims. These require funding, which currently is not available through organisations such as The British Council.

The British Council still does offer training suggestions for programmes and projects.

Exchange visits

Teacher visits to SL usually take place during October or February break, with the Friday previous and the Monday following required to allow for the 20 hour journey door to door.

Return visits usually occur in May, June or October for a week during the UK term.

Involving pupils

Pupils are involved through sharing information and activities through assemblies, lesson plans and clubs. Pupils are also encouraged to make contact with their partner school through letters (e mailed), electronic communications, photos and videos.

International Pupil Councils operate both here and in SL to involve pupils/students in the development of partnerships. These councils are encouraged to meet at least 3 times per year to discuss/plan whole college/school/academy projects.

Global Education Projects

Projects involving global education are mutually agreed by each partner in a partnership.

Regular communication between partners is essential. Most schools in the link use WhatsApp for instant communication. WhatsApp groups are set up so that link teachers can be in regular contact with their partners to build relationships that can be cemented by exchange visits.