"Putting the World into World Class Education - An international strategy for education, skills and children's services" (DfES, 2004 and June 2007) recognises that all young people must develop the skills, confidence and contacts which will secure their place and influence in an increasingly global society and economy.
Developing international activity across schools, youth groups, the community and children's services is a high priority at local authority level.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has set the target of all schools having sustainable international links and demonstrated through achieving a level of the International School Award (ISA) by 2010.
Enabling our young people to become responsible citizens, successful learners and confident individuals requires knowledge and understanding of the world and of our own society (A Big Picture of the Curriculum, QCA, June 2007). Through international professional development and collaboration we can learn from good international practice to improve our own practice.
Contacts abroad develop communication and foreign language skills as well as help raise awareness of global issues which transcend national boundaries - be they environmental, societal or economic.
|