Past projects
The Schools Linking Project linked schools across Tower Hamlets with contrasting demographics or locations with one another to promote active citizenship and community cohesion. Schools took part in joint events, students developed trusting relationships and school leaders worked together on joint projects.
In 2007 the Minister for Schools and Learning visited a school to observe a linking day in practice. The Minister observed children from both schools working together to write a letter of advice to the new classes beginning the project: “you will enjoy the trips and make new friends”, “You should try and be yourselves and share and try and have fun.” Two schools also met at the Museum in Docklands where the year 4 pupils created improvised drama pieces based around exhibits in the museum after locating the exhibits using picture cards and clues.
Class teachers, HEC staff and the Museum staff were all very impressed by how well the children worked together the first time they met. There were some really lovely comments from pupils about how much they enjoyed meeting new people and exploring what they had in common.
Most schools wanted to continue the project when it officially ended in July 2009, and two schools have been able to continue their links through a new project ‘Putting ourselves on the Map’.
Linking between schools and communities across the world can offer opportunities for curriculum enrichment, enabling students and teachers to be partners in learning, developing skills and gaining an understanding of other perspectives. However linking is also a challenging activity which requires a substantial commitment of energy, time, patience and resources.
Toolkit for Linking : Opportunities and Challenges, which was developed by Margaret Burr for UKOWLA (UK One World Linking Association) and the linking coalition BUILD (Building Understanding through International Links for Development) outlines the issues and provides guidance for successful links. It is available from HEC (£15 plus p&p) but is also downloadable from www.ukowla.org.uk .
This project for KS3 was based on building awareness of rights through a role playing around the Human Rights Commission. Students built core curriculum skills (for example, relating to English and Citizenship) The use of 'interviews' and 'witnesses' was found to be highly motivating for students. Students were assigned as UN 'Special Rapportuers'.
It led to an online resources 'Human Rights Detective'. HEC still works in schools around many topics relating directly to children's and human rights.
