The linking year
Our Primary Schools Linking Programme has three phases. Phase 1 explores the questions Who am I? and Who are we?. Phases 2 and 3 move on to consider the questions Where do we live? and How do we all live well together?
Many aspects of the programme take place within the classroom – playing games, exploring our four questions, preparing and exchanging work between the classes, reflecting and discussing together.
Before meeting up face-to-face, if possible, the classes link virtually. A range of tried and tested participatory activities allow the pupils to deepen the connections they have made via the exchanged work.
Then, following careful planning and preparation, the classes take it in turns to host and visit each other’s schools. The circle games practised separately in classrooms during Phase 1 provide a familiar structure to the pupils so that they can begin to develop their confidence in meeting face-to-face.
In some areas, classes meet up at neutral venues – for example galleries, theatres, museums or outdoor activity centres. As well as providing rich learning opportunities for the pupils, these visits also mean they can focus on getting to know each other away from the school context.