International Partnership

London 2011

Paula Contreras

As I embarked on my Educational Internship through my doctoral program at UNCW I was looking forward to another visit to Barking and

Dagenham schools. I was fortunate to have two other employees from my school district to share in the experience with me. This proved to be

a valuable reflective opportunity for discussions following our visits to each school. We all learned so much, gained valuable perspective and

new ideas.

The focus of my trip was to obtain international partnerships for the schools in my school district. Through my visit last year I had established a partnership with Rush Green Infant School. The partnership proved to be a wonderful global opportunity for my school. I had hoped that new opportunities would result in new global resources in my school district.

Schools in the borough

There are 11 Infant Schools, 11 Junior Schools, 25 Primary Schools, 9

Secondary Schools, 1 Secondary Tuition Centre (Referral Unit) and 1

Special School serving the community in Barking and Dagenham.

The National Curriculum key stages

The National Curriculum is organized into blocks of years called 'key stages'.

There are four key stages as well as an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS

covers education for children before they reach five (compulsory school age).

Key Stages / US Grade Level ComparisonAge Year Key Stage (KS) Assessment

3-4     EYFS Infant School

 

4-5 Reception (US PreK) EYFS Infant School  

5-6  Year 1 (US – Kindergarten) KS1 Infant School  

6-7  Year 2 (US – First Grade) KS1 Infant School Teacher assessments in English, math and science

7-8  Year 3 (US – Second Grade) KS2 Junior School  

8-9  Year 4 (US – Third Grade) KS2 Junior School  

9-10  Year 5 (US – Fourth Grade) KS2 Junior School  

10-11  Year 6 (US – Fifth Grade) KS2 Junior School National tests and teacher assessments in English, math and science

11-12  Year 7 ( US – Sixth Grade) KS3 Secondary School Ongoing teacher assessments

12-13  Year 8 (US – Seventh Grade) KS3 Secondary School Ongoing teacher assessments

13-14  Year 9 (US – Eighth Grade) KS3 Secondary School Teacher assessments in English, math and science and the other foundation subjects

14-15  Year 10 (US – Ninth Grade) KS4 Secondary School Some children take GCSEs

15-16  Year 11 (US – Tenth Grade) KS4 Secondary SchoolSixth Form

Most children take GCSEs or other national qualifications

16-17 Year 12 (US – Eleventh Grade)

Sat, June 18 Sun., June 19 Mon., June 20John Perry Primary

Contact: Allan WatkinsSchedule: 8:30 am - 2:00

Lunch at school.

Tues., June 21Village Infant School

Contact: Jayne MeechSchedule: 1:30 – 3:30

Wed., June 22Grafton Infant SchoolContact: Carole DalySchedule: 9:30 – 2:00Lunch with Students.

Thurs. June 23Rush Green InfantRush Green JuniorContact: Lorraine

WilliamsSchedule: 8:15 – 2:00

Action Plan 2011 - 2012Classroom Visits

Dinner w/ Head Teachers

Fri., June 24Rush Green Infant School

Rush Green Junior School

Contact: Lorraine Williams

Arrival: 10:30Meeting with the

governors at 11:00 England Time (4:00 US Time)

Sat., June 25 Sun. June 26 Mon. June 27

Tues., June 28Warren Junior School

Contact: Matt GoodyearMr. Wilder

Schedule: 9:30 – 3:00Lunch Provided

Also visiting Furze Infant School (New

Hardz Federation Schools)

Wed. June 29Go Home

Check out of Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel

Travel Group:Paula Contreras Assistant Head

(Queens Creek Elem)Jan Johnson

Fourth grade Teacher(Dixon Elem)

Miles Gonzales Teacher Assistant

(Summersill Elem)

Itinerary for School Visits

John Perry PrimaryHead Teacher: Mrs A CarnelleyAssistant Head Teacher: Mr A Watkins Age range: 3-11

Number of pupils on roll: 466

John Perry PrimaryStudents display art work throughout the school.

They have a beautiful garden for the students to experience nature during recess.

John Perry PrimaryCovered umbrellas were on the playground area to provide shade and shelter from rain.

Mosaic representations that the students made of themselves were proudly displayed.

Village InfantHead Teacher: Ms H LaytonAssistant Head Teacher: Ms J Meech Gender: Mixed

Age range: 3-7Number of pupils on roll: 321

Village InfantThis school provided a warm and inviting learning environment for their students. The teachers have created learning centers to address all learning styles and subject areas in a positive and child-centered manner.

Village InfantLiterature-based art work was displayed and discussed. The school library was very organized

and effectively utilized limited space.

Village Infant

This multi-purpose area serves as the auditorium, before and after school meeting area and the cafeteria for lunch.

This beautiful garden area is part of their playground. The Head Teachers is actively involved in making the grounds beautiful.

Grafton InfantHead Teacher: Mrs S BaskillAssistant Head Teacher:

Gender: Mixed Age range: 3-7Number of pupils on roll: 403

Grafton InfantGrafton Infant provides numerous opportunities for the students in early years to experience student leadership in a positive way.

Grafton JuniorHead Teacher: Mr M NicholsonAssistant Head Teacher: Gender: Mixed

Age range: 7-11Number of pupils on roll: 411

Grafton JuniorClassroom were highly organized to utilize limited space and proudly display student work.

The student playground is used as an opportunity for student leadership and safety programs.

Rush Green Infant Head Teacher: Ms F EmmsAssistant Head Teacher: Ms L Williams Gender: Mixed

Age range: 3-7Number of pupils on roll: 343

Rush Green Infant

Warren Junior

Head Teacher: Mr G WilderDeputy Head Teacher: Mr M Goodyear

Gender: Mixed Age range: 7-11Number of pupils on roll: 421

Warren JuniorStudents place their book bags and jackets in the hallways to save space.

The focus on healthy eating habits and nutrition is demonstrated through the student-led garden.

Furze InfantExecutive Head Teacher: Mr G WilderHead Teacher: Mrs J Barrett Gender: Mixed

Age range: 3-7Number of pupils on roll: 446

Furze Infant Student diversity and completed class work is proudly displayed.

The teachers organize their learning resources in an engaging and visually stimulating manner.

Conclusion

At the conclusion of my trip I was able to attain seven new partnership schools for Onslow County Schools. The staff and students of each school were welcoming and gracious during our visits. I am looking forward to

establishing Action Plans for the new schools and facilitating our new international partnerships with staff and students.