What is global learning?
Global learning means students learning about the wider world. Schools use a range of terms to describe activities intended to support global learning such as development education, global citizenship, global education, intercultural education, the global dimension and education for sustainable development. These guidelines use the term global learning throughout. Drawing on our definition of global learning (see www.think-global.org.uk), a global learner is:
• Critical
• Creative
• Self aware
• Globally aware
• Open-minded
• Inquisitive
• Reflective
• Connected
• Willing to engage with global challenges
• Keen to take action for a better world
Partner Schools
Appleton Thorn has previously enjoyed working with pupils from schools in France, Denmark and Tanzania.
Our current international partners are Englystskolen in Børkop, Denmark and Saint-Genès La Salle in Bordeaux, France.
If you have a contact in a school that would like to link with Appleton Thorn then please get in touch through the school office.
International School
The international elements of our curriculum and collaborative projects with our partner schools mean we are able to work towards a re-accreditation of the International Schools Award. This is ongoing throughout the year and the outcome will be shared in Autumn 2025.
If you require any further information or paper copies, please contact Mr King our Global Leardning Lead via the school office on 01925 266764 or email office@appletonthorn.tcat.uk.com
Turing Scheme
We secured funding from Turing for 2023-2024 to collaborate with Kirkebakkeskollen in Vejle, Denmark. The project saw our Year Six children partnering with three Grade 5 classes in Denmark, working together over the year towards five aims: connect with others, be physically active, learn new skills, give to others and be mindful.
The project included a funded visit to Vejle in May 2024 for some of our children, during which they were able to learn exponentially and receive a wonderful cultural insight.
In the year 2024-2025 we extended our Turing activities to Year 5 and Year 6 to take part in a new project with Englystskolen, a school in Børkop, Denmark. Again we were able to include a visit during the project, this time for 22 children from our Year 5 and Year 6 classes.
Having secured another round of Turing funding for 2025-2026, we are able continue our partnerships with Englystskolen and Saint-Genès La Salle including a visit to both countries in the next school year.
‘Global Learning Goals’ threaded through our ambitious curriculum
These symbols can be found within our Ambitious Curriculum Document do demonstrate how we ensure children have pleanty of opportunities to develope as a Global Citizen.
International School Award Activities
Below are a selection of international themed activities that have taken place this year that have been submitted as part of our application for re-accreditation in ISA.
European Week of Languages
Letter Exchanges – Penpals
Over the year our children in Years 4, 5 and 6 have been communicating with their peers in France and Denmark. They have been writing letters, exchanging cards and have even sent each other greetings videos.
Traditions
Our Year 4 class, with their partner class in Saint-Genès La Salle in Bordeaux, researched and produced a video to teach each other all about a tradition celebrated in their country. In January, Saint-Genès La Salle sent a video all about Three Kings Day and Appleton Thorn made a video about Bawming the Thorn. These videos can be watched through your child’s Class Dojo page.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
As part of our collaboration with Englystskolen in Denmark, our Year 5 and Year 6 children completed a joint project based on creativity and business. They were asked to design a new Legoland attraction with a theme of friendship, tying into the year long partnership between our schools. Natascha Rønnow, Grade 5 teacher at Englystskolen says, “It was amazing to be able to see the children work together with the pupils from England. They quickly became familiar with each other because they were asked to work in small groups. We saw the children grow in confidence over the week. We enjoyed sharing each other’s language and we were thankful for the Danish children’s existing English skills as this really helped to build relationships.”
Refugee Fortnight
The children in school had an assembly to talk about Refugee Week and how it aligns with our own school values. Children were challenged to design a ‘Moomin House’ that encompassed the theme ‘Community is a Superpower’ and to describe the ways in which their house would be open to all.
World Faiths
Throughout the school year, children learn about the ‘big six’ religions of the world as a part of their RE curriculum, with additional enrichment activities to complement this. Across this school year the children have visited the Buddhist temple Wat Phra Singh in Runcorn and enjoy a close tie with the Christian church in the village. We also enjoy opportunities to visit the Warrington Islamic Association and are fortunate to have pupils from a range of faiths who have given their time to share with younger children some of the religious aspects of their daily lives.
