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100 Words is a project for young people that opens imaginations, develops creative potential and creates global connections.

The 100 Words project aims to challenge young people to learn at least 100 words of the language of their partner school by writing, filming and sharing 100 word plays.

100 Words Toolkit

British Council Connecting Classrooms and 100 Words are delighted to join forces in the creation of a practical toolkit that will enable schools to implement a 100 Words project in collaboration with their international partner school.

The 100 Words project aims to:

• Challenge young people in Connecting Classrooms partnerships to learn at least 100 words of the language of their partners by writing, filming and sharing 100 word plays.
• Enable young people to develop language, technical and communication skills, contributing to increased motivation and confidence.
• Enhance intercultural awareness by active engagement with different cultures and further strengthening links between partner schools.

Background in brief

• The project was inspired by changes in Beijing as it prepared to host the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• It has led to the creation of plays, films and operas around the globe.
• The toolkit was developed by British Council and 100 Words following a pilot project in early 2010 involving young people from partner schools in Algeria, Bangladesh and the UK that were participating in British Council Connecting Classrooms programme.
• It was designed by Natasha Betteridge and Rachel Parslew.

Visit the 100 words resources page or project space.

Teacher Notes

• Curriculum Languages, creative arts, performing arts, literacy, English, ICT
• Skills PLTS (personal learning and thinking skills), functional skills in English
• Cultures Enhance intercultural awareness through active engagement with different cultures strengthening links between partner schools

What you will need

• Space You need to have a space to rehearse, perform and film in. A large classroom or small hall will be ideal – somewhere large enough to accommodate a performance area and some seats for the audience. You do not have to have a stage or auditorium.
• Resources Access to the internet will be needed in order to exchange material with your partner school.  Costumes, sets and props for plays – these could provide an impetus for cross-curricular involvement, but do not need to be elaborate. A digital camera is needed for stages 7, 8 and 9.
• Participants At least five students, or a whole class divided into groups, perhaps with different skills (writing, performing, technical). The students might be part of a language class, or a drama class. This is aimed as an activity for students to take responsibility for organising – and for teachers to allow them to do so!
• Support Teacher support, such as from the Languages, Drama or ICT department. External support could include local drama clubs or theatre companies for advice around performance skills, supplementary schools for help with language, and parents, who may have relevant skills and will be happy to be an audience.