Schools Linking brings together two classes from different schools in a thoughtfully planned, year-long programme.
Pupils from different social, ethnic, faith or geographical backgrounds enjoy meeting and learning together. The process helps pupils to explore identity, become comfortable with difference and build connections within their local communities.
Our Schools Linking programme currently runs in 26 Local Authority areas.
We work with all kinds of schools including primary, secondary and special schools.
Schools Linking builds on research evidence about what works in connecting children to build their confidence in contact with others. It has been designed by teachers, supports the curriculum and importantly is enjoyable and memorable for pupils.
The students value making friends with someone who is different to them, they will do that with less fear moving forward. It de-mystifies the ‘other’ and breaks down that ‘otherism’.
Natasha, secondary school teacher
Why Schools Linking?
Children and young people develop a stronger sense of identity, feel more confident in meeting new people and more connected to those around them and wider community. Linking also develops key life skills and attitudes such as empathy, respect, resilience, critical thinking, communication and confidence in contact.
A recent evaluation commissioned by the Government found that pupils on our Schools Linking programme showed increased interest in other cultures; confidence in social mixing; and increased awareness and understanding of people from different backgrounds to themselves.
