Welcome to Warwickshire County Council

Jerusalem

In an exciting DCSF/British Council funded initiative 4 teachers/schools (including a special school) visited Jerusalem to set up school to school links.

Organised through the charity Biblelands the teachers were able to bring back unique experience of daily life for children in this challenged part of the world. E-links will facilitate communication and ongoing projects in the future as well as exploring the challenge to our countries and communities of conflict resolution.




Extracts of reports and outcomes:


"The ethos of the school was very much to nurture the whole child and they were proud of extending beyond the government curriculum in the areas of music, dance and drama. (...)
(...) What was also evident was the respect with which parents and children held education. They see it as a way to a better life."

" I have spoken to Students, Staff, our worship committee and governors about the visit and wrote a piece for the school newsletter and website. Before leaving I asked Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students to write to the students of the schools I would be visiting and it was very positive to have letters to give out while in Israel that helped build connections between our schools and connections between our students. I was delighted to have letters given to me in reply and students in my school have enjoyed reading these letters. This has very much helped to enhance the individual connection to the schools and students, helping to make the situation very real to students and in a way that allows them to identify with young people in very different circumstances."

"It was agreed that we would first link between two small groups – 6 or 7 children from our Year 5 and their equivalent. They would start by getting to know each other by asking questions over the internet and then develop a project jointly. Staff were also interested in how we teach and it was agreed that I would send literature to explain how we work and when the internet link is established staff will talk to each other too.

"I have developed and expanded a SOW using a BBC video on conflict and a Channel Five travel rough guide video to the Holy land to enhance this; this has been well received by students and other teachers in the department. In addition, I will be doing whole school assemblies and this will raise awareness of the visit and some of the issues and conflict for students."

"The Kindergarten and our Foundation Stage teachers will share ideas on curriculum access for the younger age group; The orientation and mobility departments of both school will correspond and exchange curriculum planning documentation with regard to living skills. Our primary department will correspond with relevant age groups to ensure the development of social links. Our Science College staff will liaise with staff at Helen Keller School with regard to adaptation to materials too ensure curriculum access for those students with severe visual impairments. If further visits are arranged then those staff who go over to Israel will develop further areas of mutual interest.
Our School has changed over time and to share this information in depth with the senior managers and key people at Biblelands may be beneficial in planning future developments at Helen Keller School. There was a wealth of expertise and skills within the Helen Keller School and this could be enhanced for the good of more visually impaired children throughout the region."