Why this is leading practice
The international dimension at Bure Park has brought vibrancy and enjoyment to the learning process. It has fostered relevance and purpose within our curriculum, whilst helping children to recognise and think critically about different international perspectives. The children have a greater enthusiasm for and a deeper understanding and awareness of the world in which they live; and how issues can affect their own lives both nationally and internationally. They are more motivated and engaged in the learning process. Through cultural dialogue they have a growing respect and tolerance for other cultures. They are developing very good global citizenship skills.
Impact to date
- There has been an impact on the quality of teaching and learning through the International Dimension by the sharing of good practice and making learning relevant and purposeful. Children have a deeper understanding and awareness of the world and global issues.
- Children are more engaged, enjoy their learning within the International Dimension and are more active learners e.g. they want to get more involved in charity events and are more engaged in designing the curriculum.
- There are very good links with communities locally and internationally – with a wide range of countries through Comenius and other British Council and DFID projects.
- Developed strong links with schools abroad – the school now has purposeful links with schools across Europe, Africa & S.E.Asia. These are helping to demonstrate diversity, deepen knowledge, respect and tolerance, and establish links for greater interdependence.
- Greater parental interaction - Parents are invited into school more, to enrich the learning within the International Dimension, to share experience and knowledge, view work and help in classrooms.
- School has contributed to Bicester International week and taken part in an Oxfordshire global art project.
- School has worked with the British Council on several projects.
Rationale / Start Point
Bure Park is a large primary school of over 500 children aged 3-11 within a growing town. The majority of pupils are of a white background and others are of various white, black Caribbean or other backgrounds. As we do not have a high multi-cultural representation within the school it is important to develop a strong international theme within school life.The International Dimension is at the heart of the work throughout the school – within and outside the formal curriculum. All stakeholders have a strong and shared commitment to international issues and enriching global learning. We have established, and constantly refine, a range of high quality experiences within the learning culture for all.
Key Strategies
- Setting up links with partner schools abroad.
- Arts projects using the international dimension.
- Mapping the curriculum against the global dimension.
- Making a strong contribution to community cohesion.
Sustainability and Further Development
- The school is looking to develop more formal systems for evaluating and monitoring this work.
- In countries where this is possible - Developing the use of e-learning and electronic communication to make links with other international schools more ‘live’
- The school is looking to further develop the school website and prospectus to incorporate the vibrancy of the international dimension.