INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT WEBSITE HELPS SCOTTISH SCHOOLS MAKE LEARNING GLOBAL
A new website launched today by Education Scotland and British Council Scotland is set to provide an innovative resource to support schools in Scotland and beyond develop high quality, meaningful international experiences for learners of all ages focused on skills development.
Launched by the Minister for Learning, Science & Scotland's Languages, Alasdair Allan today, Thursday 28th May at Queen Anne High School, Fife, Learners International website is a one-stop-shop for all things international. The site brings together a host of materials, information, examples of effective international partnerships and a self-evaluation tool to offer valuable guidance and support for schools to enhance their international engagement.
Developed in collaboration with teachers and other educational practitioners and drawing on experience of British Council school linking programmes the website is designed to strengthen learners skills, knowledge and experiences to allow them to compete effectively in the global marketplace.
The launch was hosted by young people from Glasgow who are part of the Malawi Young Leaders of Learning (MYLOL) project. They demonstrated the leadership and confidence gained from working on the international engagement project to improve education in Glasgow and Malawi. Delegates were entertained by pupils from Queen Anne High School who provided music, dance and refreshments with an international flavour and talks by young people from Universal Connections.
Mr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science & Scotland's Languages, said: “I’m delighted to launch the Learners International website today. The website will help to increase and promote international engagement across Scotland, forming stronger links with countries from around the world and enhance the reputation of our education system, which we are keen to share internationally.
Alan Armstrong, Director of Lifelong Learning at Education Scotland, said: “I’m pleased to be here today with my colleagues from British Council Scotland at Queen Anne High School, the winner of the Times Educational Supplement International School Award 2014, to launch the Learners International website.
“This fantastic resource marks a step change in the way educational establishments throughout Scotland can develop their international engagement. It will provide access to the latest resources and information, as well as support them to form productive partnerships with international organisations that will truly benefit learners in this country and abroad
Lloyd Anderson, Director of British Council Scotland said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Education Scotland on Learners International. An important and innovative resource, it will help Scotland’s young people develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed in the global economy as responsible citizens. We believe Learners International highlights how programmes such as Connecting Classrooms, eTwinning, Erasmus+ and Language Assistants can be crucial in acquiring global skills and hope it will encourage more educators to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. Leaners International also helps share Scotland’s world class education system with educators around the world – something core to the purpose of British Council Scotland.’’
Learners International was designed to align with the Scottish Government’s International Framework, as well as Education Scotland’s International Strategy and the British Council’s approach to supporting Scottish education through their experience in the policy and practice of international education.
The first phase of the site launched today, will be tested and evaluated by educational practitioners from across Scotland before the end of the school year to ensure the site is accessible and meets users’ needs. The second phase will focus on the internationalisation of young people in the senior phase, linking closely with the British Council, Erasmus+ programme, further education colleges and community learning and development staff.
Education Scotland
Education Scotland’s vision for Scotland is of a nation which is confident, outward-looking, culturally enriched and knowledge-based. To support this vision, learners of all ages need to develop a better understanding of the world in which they live, work and thrive, appreciate the values and cultures of different societies; and recognise the ways in which, as global citizens, they can influence and shape their environment and society. It is committed to preparing today’s learners across all sectors for a global future.