The TES website has a Make The Link section, providing information on several organisations which can match British schools with a suitable partner. These include Global Gateway, the Department for Education and Skills site, which encourages schools to include an international element.

A number of charities also provide support and resources. Link Community Development specialises in links and teacher exchanges with Ghana, South Africa and Uganda. And the UK One-World Linking Association matches British communities with those in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Anna Colquhoun, of Link Community Development, said: “It’s a great opportunity. Teachers can exchange ideas, and can reflect on their own practice, and how they tackle problems.”

The TES website will be offering more ideas and resources, helping schools to develop their new links.

Staff and pupils will be encouraged to exchange emails, letters and videos.

Letters can include pictures and photographs which illustrate daily school life.

Staff can exchange information on how they deal with curriculum subjects and pastoral challenges. Exchange visits between staff and pupils can be used to create a sense of international community.

The Department for International Development and the British Council gives funding to support such inter-school links.

www.tes.co.ukMake_The_LinkLet us know about your link: email Make_the_Link@tes.co.uk

Birmingham-Caribbean partnership, FE 3

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