What is Global Learning?
Global Learning (or The global dimension, or Global Citizenship) is concerned with exploring the interconnections between people and places around the world. It asks us to observe the similarities and differences that exist around our world today and relate these to our own lives. It is not an 'additional subject' to cram into an overcrowded curriculum but goes the heart of what education is for:
"The global dimension explores what connects us to the rest of the world. It enables learners to engage with complex global issues and explore links betwen their own lives and people, places and issues throughout the world. The global dimension can relate to both developing and developed countries. It helps learners to imagine different futures and the role they can play in creating a fair and sustainable world." (The National Curriculum)
By including the global dimension in teaching, links can easily be made between local and global issues and young people are given the opportunity to:
- Critically examine their own values and attitudes
- Appreciate the similarities between peoples everywhere, and learn to value diversity
- Understand the global context of their local lives
- Develop skills that will enable them to combat injustice, prejudice and discrimination
The DfES has produced three documents which support teaching about the global dimension, all of which you can download here:
