Connecting Classrooms is a global school partnership programme which aims to develop the skills and understanding of children and young people in the UK and around the world so that they may contribute positively, in life and work, to a global society. This includes improving the necessary leadership skills of young people to support the strong global dimension of their learning experience. At the same time, with the development of this programme, it will help build trust and understanding between people in different societies and cultures.

The programme in China is based around links between districts in the UK and China which allow schools and their learners, teachers and headteachers to develop long-term, sustainable relationships and various joint projects.  The programme has three core areas of activities: “collaborative curriculum projects”, “professional development“ and a “Global Recognition” as guidance to help create sustainable, mutually beneficial and creative partnerships between schools in the UK and China.

‘Connecting Classrooms’ has so far been promoted in more than 40 cities or districts in China with more than 600 Chinese schools establishing partnerships with UK schools. Teachers and students from the two countries who have experienced this project themselves all give very positive feedback. They have commented that participation every activity helps them open a window on the world. Hopefully there will be more teachers and children who can benefit from this international link in the future.

• The BC’s CC international school partnerships help to create a more connected world and to build trust and understanding between people in different societies.
• The BC’s CC programme is delivered in partnership with overseas governments/Education Ministries/civic authorities to ensure that the benefits delivered are in line with national education strategies and are sustainable over the long-term.
• The BC’s CC partnerships are reciprocal, ensuring equal participation of schools in the UK and other countries, and equal benefit.
• The BC’s CC programme links groups of schools in the UK with groups of schools overseas.  The aim is to make connections between   schools nationally as well as internationally, since trust and understanding often needs to be built within countries as well as between countries.  This also means that every school has access to a number of partners, which brings both variety and richness.  
• Participating in the BC’s CC programme will help young people to develop the skills that they need to live and work in the 21st century:  cultural awareness; global citizenship; linguistic skills; communication and ICT skills.
• School partnerships can add an international dimension to any area of the curriculum, which has a positive impact on young people’s motivation to learn.
• The BC’s CC programme includes professional development for school leaders and teachers, providing access to international expertise and global networks.
• The International School Award is an integral part of the BC’s CC programme, ensuring public recognition of work in schools.  There are also Awards for Leaders, Teachers and young people.