Reaching out to new schools once more

Another month has flown by and life remains very hectic . For the first time in a few years we have some funding to work with primary schools in our locality, so it is time to make new contacts, be creative and develop our problem solving and communication skills.

Sadly, as a small charity with limited capacity in terms of staff and finance, our connections with the schools closest to us have suffered but now is the time to rebuild and re-energise.

Our aim is to link pairs of schools so classes can explore the themes of Who am I? Who are we? Where do we live? and How do we all live together? as part of a national programme. Work will be carried out in school but also through shared  activities and experiences - allowing children to discover for themselves how much we all share in common through meaningful social interaction.

More information about the whole project and classroom resources can be found at thelinkingnetwork.org.uk/

The first task has been to publicise the Derby School Linking Programme and start to talk to headteachers about the benefits, challenges and commitment involved in taking part. It is much easier to work with those who "want to do" and we have been fortunate to find enthusiastic teachers and much valued support from another small local charity www.derbyopencentre.org/ 

​Briefing sessions for headteachers have proved worthwhile and enjoyable. We are so grateful to the schools who have hosted us free of charge and the teachers who have taken the time to attend.

So far, all is going well, and we are confident that we will meet our target of engaging 16 primary schools, with students aged 7 - 11 years, and that their active participation will prove valuable and enriching. Perhaps the new contacts and partnerships we are forming will be a great help with In Others' Shoes - when we eventually get underway. They are certainly inspiring us right now.

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