The Schools Linking Programme brings together 2 classes from demographically diverse schools. School Linking has been endorsed and funded by Pears Foundation, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Stockport Homes and the Department for Education (DfE).
The programme is nationally recognised as offering a positive, age appropriate, curriculum response to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC), British values and the Prevent duty. It provides a range of teaching and learning resources to support personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) and Relationships Education for primary pupils and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Linking offers meaningful experiences whilst supporting children as they explore identity and diversity, champion equality and develop dialogue.
The children meet 3 times a year. Usually, the first of these meetings is at a neutral venue followed by visits to each school in the spring or summer term. The children will exchange work throughout the year. The programme is supported by on-going reflection and will explore 4 key 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
Benefits for pupils
- develops skills of critical thinking, reflection and communication
- develops trust, empathy, awareness and respect
- provides opportunities for children and young people to meet and build new relationships
Benefits for schools
- offers a clear and strategic contribution towards the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils
- provides a meaningful experience of British values in action
- provides opportunities for children and young people to meet, build new relationships, work together and contribute to the wider community
For more information email julie.ann.mcculloch@stockport.gov.uk or visit The Linking Network website.
