Curriculum Project Links (8)
For all the staff, without exception, the deepening relationships with the partner schools were the key to success. It is clear that the schools now have sustainable links with their own schools in a very personal way. The council intervention is required less and less in the established school partnerships, but the opportunities for the deputy director to visit more of the links was highly valued, not least of all by the Chinese heads.
There is an ever growing commitment by North Lincolnshire staff to their Chinese colleagues and friends. It was like witnessing a large number of family reunions. The educational benefits to the Chinese are increasing with every visit. The high points included observation and peer feedback on a Chinese teacher’s lesson at their request and the amazing progress of the special school link which, this visit, extended to include PMLD. Other aspects of inclusion were more evident this visit in a number of schools where differentiation is beginning to take place and disabled students are welcomed and supported by others.
Council Links
There is no doubt that the partnerships are growing to the extent that honest discussions are now taking place in a spirit of trust and genuine co-operation at all levels.
North Lincolnshire professionals were welcomed into homes and families more than ever before and schools are making plans to organise individual or group visits to the UK rather than wait for delegations.
Independence and confidence is growing on both sides which fulfils the ambition of the council and the bureau to encourage independence in the linking process. The bureau is keen to involve the North Lincolnshire school improvement service in influencing change in the countryside schools where change is much slower and harder to establish.
The deputy CEO is working with the Dalian bureau to find some creative ways of spreading the benefits of the city links to the rural areas. The organisation of the delegations as a partnership between the council and schools continues to be a cause for celebration.
The project is seen as a true partnership with all heads, but with particular use of the consultant headteacher role and that of the China development admin officer working together to keep the project alive and monitor developments.
The other council officer travelling with the second delegation focussed on the opportunities for extended school activities. The opportunities to develop music and exercise for all our link schools are becoming clear. These foci will be included in our future development plans.
A meeting at the University included a joyful reunion of the teachers trained with us in 2006 and an honest evaluation of the programme so far.
Discussions also took place to engage the Dalian bureau in our efforts to establish a centre of excellence for Mandarin and Chinese culture in North Lincolnshire as part of Building Schools for the Future (BSF). We are convinced that, even if Han Ban refuses us, we will make it happen together somehow.
Additional benefits to the delegation arrangements are the relationships that develop between the North Lincolnshire headteachers and staff travelling together and supporting each other. Clusters of schools are now enjoying links with China and providing continuity for students eg: all the Roman Catholic schools are now linked and are planning the future of projects that will provide continuing opportunities to develop Mandarin and promote Chinese cultural activities. The buddy system for new and existing headteachers was welcomed and, in addition to the series of preparation meetings and Mandarin lessons, was seen to minimise culture shock and maximise the benefits. We were glad to report that, even with all our preparation, the wonder and inspiration of China was not tainted for anyone and the growth and transformation of individuals and groups was, as always, a joy to be part of.