Schools Linking in Calderdale

Children of Calderdale Connecting, Learning Together and Having Fun!

Children from two primary schools came together as part of Calderdale’s Schools Linking Programme. Supported by Calderdale Council and The Linking Network, this is a programme which connects schools together in a year long ‘link’. Across the district there are 22 classes from 15 different schools involved. The carefully structured process allows children to first explore their own identity before then finding out about the similarities and differences they share with their linking partners in their local area. Having got to know each other via exchanged work and a video call, they then get to meet up face to face at a class visit during which they learn and play together in a safe and fun way.

According to an independent evaluation carried out by IFF Research in 2022, the programme  “was found to have a positive effect on pupils, particularly improving pupils’ confidence in meeting young people of different ethnicities, religions, and economic backgrounds; and improving pupils’ understanding of different religions, and cultures.”

Excitement levels were off the scale on the morning of the class visits! Having met up once already, the children were keen to reconnect with their new friends from the other school.

There was a warm welcome from the host school for their special guests:

Connections between the children were strengthened as they chatted and played together. ‘We both love dancing!” exclaimed one child having got to know their partner a little better.

Having fun whilst working together towards a common goal is a key feature of our Schools Linking model.

A moment of synchrony as the children enjoyed dancing together in unison.

One teacher said, “Thank you for organising such a wonderful programme! Our children have loved getting to know the children and experience the natural outdoor provisions the other school has. Likewise, I believe the other class has appeared to enjoy what provisions we provide – it was so lovely watching them play together”.

A teacher said, “It’s been wonderful to be linked. My children were amazed at just how big their school was, but it also made them reflect on what they also loved about our own school. Their end of day dance show was also brilliant, many of ours were sat mesmerised!“

This week – 24th to 28th June – is The Linking Network’s national Schools Linking Celebration Week. Classes from across the country will join together to celebrate their Schools Linking achievements this year in a series of live sessions and special events in local communities.

We are currently recruiting schools for next year’s programme, so if your school is interested in getting involved, get in touch via info@thelinkingnetwork.org.uk