Schools Linking Supporting our children to explore identity, celebrate diversity, champion equality and promote community.

What is Schools Linking… An opportunity for our class to work with a partner class for a whole year to explore four questions: Who am I? – exploring identity Who are we? – celebrating diversity Where do we live? – promoting community How do we all live together? – championing equality

What do we do? Exchange thoughts, ideas, work and self reflection with our link class throughout the academic year Meet our link class at a neutral venue in the autumn term Host a visit from our link class Visit our link class at their school This is a year long structured programme rooted in the curriculum! Our Link Work in Class Reflection Exchange Information Meet up throughout the year

Who are we linking with? [add photo and info about link school]

How does this benefit my child? Gives my child an authentic purpose for speaking and listening, reading and writing in class because the linking events get children talking, sharing, laughing and learning about each other. They write for a real audience – their link class. They also read post from the class they are linked with. Supports my child to continue to develop their self knowledge, self- esteem and self-confidence as they contribute positively to lives of their link class. Offers a powerful learning experiences, ones that most children will probably never forget. Gives my child the chance to explore identity, diversity and community with depth and sensitivity in safe and supported environment.

How can I support my child to get the most from this opportunity? Encourage them to talk about their linking journey at home – it’s exciting to exchange post and meet up with our link class. Talk to your child about their name – how did you choose it, does it have a special meaning? Names are a big part of our identity. Talk about where you live – what places are important to your family and why? Talk about things that are important to you as a family – these could be beliefs (religious or otherwise), values, activities or people.