Help your students to succeed in a globalised world

Equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a globalised world is vital. Teaching about development and global issues helps to prepare young people for modern life, expand global awareness, develop enquiry and critical thinking skills, and meet Ofsted requirements. 

Film is an excellent vehicle to support global learning and spark discussions about key issues such as poverty, inequality, sustainability and diversity. Filmmaking, as well as film watching, can be used to get students thinking about these topics; an example is this short film about the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) made by one of the schools that has acted as an Expert Centre for the Global Learning Programme (GLP).

One aspect of our work at the GLP is helping educators to address diversity through citizenship teaching. Here are some of the activities we offer:

Considering different approaches to development

One GLP citizenship activity gives Key Stage 3 pupils the opportunity to make decisions on how to develop the make-believe city of 'Lucksville'. The activity is designed to help pupils consider different approaches to development, and the impact that this can have on different groups in the city, offering a way to investigate challenges around diversity.

Discrimination and LGBT rights

The importance of linking people's lives throughout the world, and examining critically a global issue that affects many people's politically and socially, are at the heart of global learning. Another GLP citizenship activity supports teaching on the global struggle for LGBT rights. The activity offers an opportunity for pupils in the UK to understand how the rights that may be enjoyed by people here, such as the right to a private life, are not necessarily enjoyed in all parts of the world, and that open discrimination against LGBT people is widespread in many nations.

'British values' - preparation for life in modern Britain

All schools have a duty to "actively promote" the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and of those without faith. The Department for Education has published guidance (November 2014) on promoting British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. The GLP provides an opportunity for schools to engage in dialogue around the introduction of 'British values'. The GLP pupil learning outcomes encourage pupils to consider the importance of diversity for themselves and others, thinking about different viewpoints and perspectives about development issues, and valuing the experiences and views of those living in different circumstances.

Shouldn't your school be part of this too?

Global learning helps young people make sense of the world they live in and helps them understand their role in a globally-interdependent world. The GLP gives schools access to funding*, training, resources and guidance to help integrate global learning across the curriculum. Find out how your school can benefit from the GLP and sign up at www.glp-e.org.uk

* The GLP is funded by the UK government. All schools can join the programme, but funding is only available to Key Stages 2 and 3 in state schools in England. The GLP in England (GLP-E) is managed by a consortium of partners: Pearson (lead), Geographical Association, UCL Institute of Education, Oxfam UK, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), SSAT and Think Global.