Internationalising LearningOUR AIMS: To incorporate global issues into the KS3 English curriculum For our students to become more globally aware and to understand and embrace other cultures and traditions TRING SCHOOL: HERTFORDSHIRE

PHASE 1From onset focused on incorporating ideas into KS3, therefore we chose year 9 and SATS preparationConsulted Head of Department and KS3 Co-ordinator Meetings in December to create lesson by lesson scheme of work, allowing initial ideas to change and develop.

PHASE 2 Writing the scheme of work:Examples of lessons: Focus on prejudice, journeys (title of scheme), political and religious tolerance/intolerance, racial issues, fair trade, responsible travelWe embraced a variety of genres and texts: internet, advertising, film, poetry, novels, current news.

Example of lesson

PHASE 3Students response: Initial anticipation and excitement part of wider project and working collaboratively with teacher Challenged/questioned global mis-conceptions from the outset (explain lesson). Developed interest and gave us a starting point. Part of the process was students teaching each other (show pictures). This enabled them to question their own prejudices and develop confidence

Peer CoachingStudents A selection of students from both our classes ( set 2 and 4 ability) were asked to go into each others lesson to deliver a starter activity.

Teachers ( Becky and Anastasia) Peer coaching took the form of informal/formal observations, lesson feedback, creation of SOW and resources

PHASE 4Develop preparation for SATS, BUT continuously reinforce idea that students are part of a wider picture. Scheme was well received, subject leader contacted County and scheme is now being used by other schools in Hertfordshire via the Grid STUDENT FEEDBACK: On-going at end of lessons and questioning. Group of students were invited to discuss their response to the scheme and what they had learnt.

What the students said. I enjoyed learning about Fairtrade and different cultures. I thought that challenging my pre-conceptions was really good way to learn. GeorgeI think we should learn more about what we can and cant say about other races. Nick If we had links with other schools around the world I think it would really help us to visualise their lives. Louis Learning about issues I had never thought of before, ie. Racial inequality and travelling responsibly. I would be interested in linking up with other schools as I already have a penpal in Jamaica. Courtney

Student teaching

Student teaching

Student teaching

Focus group

What our colleagues thoughtClaire ( Subject Leader) It was certainly challenging but in a positive way. Both the students and I felt that we were learning about new cultures and issues we had not considered before.Debbie ( KS3 Co-Ordinator) Whilst it was a very enjoyable scheme of work to teach, I felt it difficult at times to steer away from stereotypes.

Staff feedbackDavid I teach top set Year 9 and it definitely stretched and challenged the high ability students.Vanessa KS4 Co-Ordinator), It fed in to the KS4 scheme on Poems from Different Cultures and created a stepping stone to enable students to familiarise themselves with some of the more complex issues and ideas.

Looking to the future.. Wider use of the scheme through Hertfordshire Building links with a school abroad. Colleagues (KS3 co-ordinator and Head of Department keen to cascade this type of teaching into other areas of English. Whole school policy to change?