Press Release
Shetland Education Goes Global
Shetland Islands Council goes global this week as this year’s Learning School begin their travels. Learning School is an international student based research project supported by the School Service and now in its 12th year. It is part of the Global Classroom Partnership, established by Stewart Hay back in 1988 but this year, for the first time has been working alongside the Scottish Government in its Review of teacher Education in Scotland.
At the end of last year, the group met Graham Donaldson (LTS), the former chief inspector of schools in Scotland, and contributed their work so far to the review. The results of this will be published nationally later this year.
This year, Learning School is researching the topic: The Future of Learning, Teaching and Schools. Up until this point, the group has been finding out what students and teachers in Shetland like and don’t like about the current education system, and the changes they’d like to see made in the future. These student and teacher visions of the future will then be tested out in each partner school with the aim of putting the research into practice.
Learning School aims to encourage young people to be active contributors to positive change in education. The project offers a unique perspective as the research is carried out by an international team of young people, from schools in the partnership. This year five Shetlanders will be involved - Cheryl Cluness and Lindsey Manson, who finished 6th year at the Anderson High School (AHS) in June, Jenny Fraser and Lizzie Ratter, who are coordinating the research and Greg McCarron, who will assist with filming and recording. They will be joined by students from Sweden, South Africa, Germany and New Zealand as well as working with teachers and students in partner schools.
- Ridgewood High, New Jersey, US: 17th January – 6th February
- Shirley Boys High School, Christchurch, New Zealand: 6th February – 3rd March
- Lake Ginninderra College, Canberra, Australia: 3rd March – 10th April
- South Peninsula High School, Cape Town, South Africa: 10th April – 27th April
- Gymnazium Zlin, Zlin, Czech Republic: May
- Graf Friedrich Schule, Diepholz, Germany: May
- Bobergsgymnasiet, Ange, Sweden: June
In the final school, Bobergsgymnasiet, the Global Classroom Partnership will be hosting its yearly conference, where the group will present their findings.
Chairman of Services Committee, Councillor Leslie Angus said "The Global Classroom has raised the educational horizons of all who have been involved. The educational and learning experience has been greatly enhanced by the cultural exchanges and the bonds of friendship which this initiative has made possible."
Learning School has been given the opportunity to write a monthly column for the Shetland Times, so keep an eye out for any updates!
You can also keep up to date with the group’s research and tasks on
www.learningschool.wikispaces.com