How it works
Supporting young people to explore identity, build connections and strengthen communities
Start your linking journeyThe 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.
Phase 1
Pupils begin to think about their own identity using the key question: Who am I? They go on to explore the diversity between themselves through the question: Who are we?
Phase 2
Pupils participate in a shared social action project which they agree together. They explore answers to the questions: Where do we live? How do we all live together?
Phase 3
Classes end the linking year with a celebration to share the positive impact of their linking experiences, both locally and nationally.
Supporting you
Our linking programme is made by teachers, for teachers. We provide training for pairs of Linked Teachers to attend together with all the resources you need to confidently plan and facilitate sessions throughout your linking year.
Brilliant – the children have loved it and keep asking when we’re going to do the next lesson! Resources are really useful and easy to edit, spot on for what was needed. Tasks are simple and engaging, and children are loving meeting their new friends.
Primary school teacher, Derby
Take a look at our Schools Linking resources:
Interested in taking part in Schools Linking
The Schools Linking programme runs in 27 local areas so please look here to find contacts for your nearest programme. Each local linking facilitator works with schools in their area to arrange suitable linking partnerships.
If there is no local programme in your area but you have a potential linking partner school do get in touch with us at info@thelinkingnetwork.org.uk as we can support you with free resources and online training.