Making the Case for International Education Lesley Atkins International Education Officer Glasgow City Council latkins@intoffice.ea.glasgow.sch.uk

What is International Education? It is not A one off project Separate from the Curriculum A task for one teacher About issues in overseas countries

What is International Education? It is The Curriculum itself A whole school approach An international context for learning at the heart of the curriculum Connecting local and global issues in the minds of young people A whole school vision embedded in the school improvement plan and part of the school’s strategy for change and innovation

Why Make the Case? ‘ When a school embarks on an international partnership journey it is hard to imagine the impact it will have on teaching and learning, but the transformation can be significant and far- reaching’ ‘Sustainable International School Partnerships: Make the Difference’ http://issuu.com/british_council_scotland/docs/sustainableinternationalschoolpartnerships

3 words to Make the Case Transformation Significant Far- reaching

Global Citizenship Themes Social justice and equity Sustainable development Diversity Peace and conflict Globalisation and interdependence

Scottish Government Context ‘in order for Scotland and its people to succeed and flourish in the globalised 21st century that we live in, we must all become and live as global citizens.’ International engagement is an entitlement for learners

An International education helps to prepare young people for life and active participation in a global multicultural society, by developing in them a knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland's place in it. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk

Leading and Developing International Education International education will help to ensure that young people are fully prepared for life in a global society. Leaders in many schools help to ensure that international education is an integral part of the ethos of the school and that it is sustained and developed across all areas of the establishment’s life and work. http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/publication/cuimnnus.pdf

Why embed the International Dimension into the Curriculum? ‘Embedding the international dimension into each area of the curriculum encourages young people to develop their awareness of global society, supports their intercultural understanding and equips them as successful learners and contributors to their own lives and the lives of other young people across the globe.’ Atkins (2012) Sustainable International School Partnerships- Make the Difference

How? With a Vision and Strategic Planning

Key factors Imagination and willingness to be different Leadership Developing International School Partnership experiences within the Curriculum Partnership working – British Council, National Government, Local Authority Whole school approach – coherence through connecting international education outcomes with mainstream learning Global Citizenship staff team Govt policy valuing and validating International Education Continued CPD – reflective practitioners

How do Educators open up the future for learners through International Education?

How can International Education move a school from good great to We are good but how do we become great consistantly?

Transformative Change approaches – Through Transformative Change approaches – ‘we continue to challenge ourselves and put in place transformative actions to promote the best learning suitable for a 21st century learner. ‘ Education Scotland PIPTC one way we are considering developing transformation in learning and teaching

A Three Stage Strategic change approach British Council Scotland / National Agency Erasmus + Education Scotland Glasgow City Council

Three stages: horizon one: Current scenario Existing things that need to be addressed Prevalence Things we need to phase out Existing things we need to keep Time

Three stages: horizon two: Transitional scenario Innovations that fix the current system and move us towards the future Prevalence Innovations that have played their part Innovations that develop current practice Time

Three stages: horizon three: Future scenario Features of an ideal system that fit our future vision Prevalence Innovations to grow to help reach the future Radical practice that can be developed Time

Impact of Strategic planning When International Education is part of a school’s strategic framework for change and improvement the impact upon teaching and learning can be far reaching and profound.

The case for International Education Conclusions The case for International Education There is no learning context that is more significant for the development of our young people as global citizens It supports their achievement in a culturally inclusive environment It is transformative ‘ they come back better people’ The world needs young people with these skills

Education for a Global Future ‘world events in early years of the new century underlined the need to help young people become global citizens, responsible for and contributing to their communities, both locally and beyond. War, famine, natural disasters, economic recession and political instability in nations across the world showed the fragility of existing structures and processes’ McMahon (2011) : International Education, Educating for a Global Future.

An International Education supports the development of young people’s humanity they become better placed to contribute positively to humanity with young people across the globe They develop as interculturally competent and socially aware young adults with respect for and tolerance of cultural difference and a heightened awareness of the bond that unites them ‘We unite all things by perceiving the law which pervades them; by perceiving the superficial differences, and the profound resemblances’ Geldard, R (1995) The Vision of Emerson

Making the Case -the Higher Level An international education can foster and develop that awareness of the value of diversity and that the impact on teaching and learning can be ‘far- reaching’ ‘Transformative’ ‘significant’

Some further reflection International Education is a learning context which places learners in a strong position to go out and be that badly needed change in the world It is not enough to offer an Education that ends with proficiency in an academic discipline We need to offer learners the skills to develop as young global citizens with the benefit of an International Education to create a more socially just and sustainable future for us all.

Transforming Learning The approach Empowering transformational change and leadership at all levels.

National Impact Evaluation - Scotland http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learnersinternational/ How are other schools taking part?

A Strategic Approach How to transform learning through the International Dimension a strategic approach. https://education.gov.scot/improvement National Improvement Hub

Contacts and references Lesley Atkins, Education Officer, International Education, Glasgow City Council latkins@intoffice.ea.glasgow.sch.uk HMI Education Scotland : www.educationscotland.gov.uk www.gameonscotland.org www.britishcouncil.org/scotland http://issuu.com/british_council_scotland/docs/sustainableinternationalschoolpartnerships

The approach to global citizenship- Scotland Whole school approach to global citizenship – video