Cluster Management

What is a Cluster? Structure  Groups of schools rather than individual partnerships  Area links  International coordinator to manage interactions Benefits  Shared responsibility of administration  Shared responsibility for communication  Support network  Time management  Sustainability  Momentum  Relationship management

School links

Role  Main point of contact  Project Plan coordination  Support for schools  Coordinate ‘End of Year’ reporting Skills  Organisation, planning  Communication, team building  Enthusiasm, commitment  Intercultural awareness  Supporting visits  Evaluation of activities  Publicising success  Language skills  Financial management International Coordinator

Functions/responsibilities Scenarios/solutions

Clusters At the Contact Seminar  Clusters established  Discussions about:  Cluster management  Project management  Agreement on:  Partnership aims  Project plans  Communication plans  Next steps

Challenges… and successes Challenges Lack of involvement of other departments/teachers in school Communication – slow/irregular Shortage of joint term time Finding mutually suitable projects Interaction between male and female students Partner teachers moving on Length of time to really get partnership going Successes Discovery of creative and innovative skills in students Makes learning and teaching more interesting Authentic language practice Professional development for teachers Improved understanding of cultural diversity – global belonging Student enthusiasm and pride in sharing their culture Meeting government initiatives

Cluster Communication Advice and ideas  Cluster Coordinator  Other schools within your cluster  Connecting Classrooms school community within your country  British Council Cluster communication  eLanguages.org

Cluster Communication

Cluster Partnerships