There are four central pillars to Global Learning.
Education for Sustainable Development
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) enables young people to develop the knowledge, values and skills to participate in decisions about the way we do things individually and collectively, both locally and globally, that will improve the quality of life now without damaging the planet for the future.
Sustainable Development is about:
- the interaction and interdependence of society, economy and environment
- the needs of both present and future generations
- the local and global; implications of lifestyle choices.
Education for Sustainable Development has identified seven key concepts:
- Interdependence
- Citizenship and Stewardship
- Needs and Rights of future generations
- Diversity – cultural, social, economic and biodiversity
- Quality of life – global equity and justice
- Sustainable change
- Uncertainty and precaution
Global Citizenship
Global Citizenship, while similar to Development Education, is a more recent development and has emerged in the wake of the citizenship curriculum.
Oxfam defines a Global Citizen as someone who:
- is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen
- respects and values diversity
- has an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally
- is outraged by social injustice
- participates in and contributes to the community at a range of levels from local to global
- is willing to act to make the world a more sustainable place
- takes responsibility for their actions
Development Education
Development Education involves teaching and learning the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values that enable young people to become increasingly aware of issues related to development, environment and sustainability.
The Development Education Association (DEA) defines Development Education as lifelong learning that:
- explores the links between people living in the “developed” countries of the North with those of the “developing” South, enabling people to understand the links between their own lives and those of people throughout the world
- increases understanding of the economic, social, political and environmental forces which shape our lives
- develops the skills, attitudes and values which enable people to work together to take action to bring about change and take control of their own lives
- works towards achieving a more just and a more sustainable world in which power and resources are more equitably shared.
Global School Partnerships
Global School Partnerships (GSP) is a DfID funded programme which provides advice and guidance, professional development opportunities and grants to help develop school partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. There is currently no UK government funding for teacher exchanges.
DDE is an accredited trainer to help teachers enhance global learning through patnership links. If your school is interested in this programme and has not previously accessed any funding or workshops to support global learnig from the British Council then you may be eligible for a GSP Starter Grant of £250. This would pay for a qualified trainer from DDE to run an Inset with your whole school staff.
Click here to download an application form.
Here are some comments made by those who have attended Global School Partnerships Inset in Devon:
- “I plan to introduce more global thinking within my class – trying to enhance children’s understanding of global issues.”
- “This has reinforced my positive thoughts about the benefits of a partnership for the pupils. It would broaden their views of life in another country.”
- “This inset reinforced and reassured me that it is not a ‘charitable’ link but mutually beneficial; educational and purposeful.”
- “What were highlights for you? The whole of the workshop in particular Sue’s firsthand, real experience to explain and relate to our questions.”
- “The practical exercises were a ‘real eye opener’.”
- “I appreciated the chance to reflect on wider aspects of international work.”
Find out more about the support offered, including workshops, guidance, publications, support networks and contacts on the DfID Global Schools Partnerships website.