Great news!
We have the funding to run this fantastic programme again in the 2019-20 school year!
The Derby Schools Linking Programme aims to bring communities together by linking schools from across Derby and Derbyshire. We bring together two classes from demographically diverse primary schools creating year-long curriculum rich class links for pupils in Key Stage 1 or 2. School Linking is endorsed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Education (DfE). It is referenced in the newly-published integrated communities strategy.
Want to know more? …
Download our latest flyer for more information and contact us to register your school's interest.
We have the funding to run this fantastic programme again in the 2019-20 school year!
The Derby Schools Linking Programme aims to bring communities together by linking schools from across Derby and Derbyshire. We bring together two classes from demographically diverse primary schools creating year-long curriculum rich class links for pupils in Key Stage 1 or 2. School Linking is endorsed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Education (DfE). It is referenced in the newly-published integrated communities strategy.
Want to know more? …
Download our latest flyer for more information and contact us to register your school's interest.
Want to know more about this programme?
Read the article "Inclusive, Interactive, Flexible and Outdoors: Linking in Derby"
on The Linking Network website.
Read the article "Inclusive, Interactive, Flexible and Outdoors: Linking in Derby"
on The Linking Network website.
Sept 2018-July 2019 - Derby Schools Linking Programme
Our linking programme is running this school year for a second time - with many of the schools from the first year continuing. We added one infant school link and one secondary school link to the mix this time.
Again, starting with CPD1 for the linking teachers, early in the Autumn term, our 2018-19 links then got off to a great start; the children really enjoyed meeting each other for the first time, especially after receiving information from their linking school and hearing such enthusiastic comments from their friends who had taken part last year. Many children were still a little apprehensive at the start of the day, but were soon all feeling positive and thought the day was brilliant! It has certainly expanded the children’s worlds – they are asking about where their partner school is and interested to know more. Children who were quite shy or with additional needs seemed to noticeably get a lot out of this first meeting.
For our 2018-19 programme, we used a similar format to last year, with a few tweaks. We knew that some children were “repeaters”, in mixed age classes, and we needed flexibility to adapt to a wider range of ages and abilities. The ever-popular identity badge workshop and stadium tour were augmented with new activities, focusing on how we are all connected with each other and with the world around us.
One of the happiest moments on our neutral venue days is when the children join each other in the “neutral” zone to eat their lunch together. We don’t put any pressure on the children to do this, they can quite easily stay with their own school friends.
After CPD2, early in the Spring term, linking teachers got on with planning the days where they welcome their partner school. Choosing mutually-convenient dates sometimes turns out to be the hardest part of the project! The Summer term is such a busy one in schools but, armed with the incredible resources supplied by The Linking Network, planning is done and the children enjoy meeting and working together with their link classes again.
Our linking programme is running this school year for a second time - with many of the schools from the first year continuing. We added one infant school link and one secondary school link to the mix this time.
Again, starting with CPD1 for the linking teachers, early in the Autumn term, our 2018-19 links then got off to a great start; the children really enjoyed meeting each other for the first time, especially after receiving information from their linking school and hearing such enthusiastic comments from their friends who had taken part last year. Many children were still a little apprehensive at the start of the day, but were soon all feeling positive and thought the day was brilliant! It has certainly expanded the children’s worlds – they are asking about where their partner school is and interested to know more. Children who were quite shy or with additional needs seemed to noticeably get a lot out of this first meeting.
For our 2018-19 programme, we used a similar format to last year, with a few tweaks. We knew that some children were “repeaters”, in mixed age classes, and we needed flexibility to adapt to a wider range of ages and abilities. The ever-popular identity badge workshop and stadium tour were augmented with new activities, focusing on how we are all connected with each other and with the world around us.
One of the happiest moments on our neutral venue days is when the children join each other in the “neutral” zone to eat their lunch together. We don’t put any pressure on the children to do this, they can quite easily stay with their own school friends.
After CPD2, early in the Spring term, linking teachers got on with planning the days where they welcome their partner school. Choosing mutually-convenient dates sometimes turns out to be the hardest part of the project! The Summer term is such a busy one in schools but, armed with the incredible resources supplied by The Linking Network, planning is done and the children enjoy meeting and working together with their link classes again.
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Project update - March 2018
Back in January, we held our second CPD day, which was attended by all of the teachers who are participating on the project. After a fun icebreaker activity, led by Sam from The Open Centre, we explored the possibilities that Philosophy for Children can bring to the classroom, helping to develop critical thinking. Teachers then had an opportunity to plan and discuss dates and details for their classes to visit each other. These visits will take place during the Spring and Summer terms. 
Project update - November 2017
We are now in the middle of running our "neutral venue" days, which are being held at Pride Park Stadium. Over the next few weeks, we will be running eight similar days for all of our school links - including lots of identity, British Values and anti-hate crime activities. The children are very excited, and a little nervous, on arrival - but soon start to enjoy themselves, especially when they get to have a tour around the stadium. They leave the day looking forward to meeting up again - at their partner school. 
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Project update - September 2017
Exciting times! We have 16 confirmed KS2 classes from 12 different schools! Our first CPD date took place on 26 September, when the teachers met their link partner for the first time and began their planning. We have dates booked at Pride Park for the classes to meet on neutral territory, with "get to know you" activities, including a tour of the stadium. After this first meeting, the classes will visit each other at their schools and will also be exchanging work with each other. We have received additional funding for this project, from the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner and the Garfield Weston Foundation - this will enable us to enhance the linking experience for teachers and students. 
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About the project
Derby has been chosen as a pilot area for a national project aimed at establishing and sustaining local school linking. Based upon an extensively trialled, cost effective linking model established in Bradford, the programme offers a positive, age appropriate curriculum contribution to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, addressing British values and the Prevent Duty.
The project follows a structured year long programme of curriculum work exploring identity, diversity, community and equality. There are regular opportunities for students from partner schools to meet, discover what they share in common and cooperate together on varied, fun activities. This will include visits to and from your partner school.
Participation builds interpersonal, communication and intercultural skills for students. It develops staff confidence and expertise in supporting the personal and social development of pupils and offering leadership to colleagues in developing an inclusive, outward looking ethos.
Schools participating in the project will receive:
The programme is funded by DCLG and DfE to support schools to get started with linking and provide CPD support.
There will be a fee of £150 per class towards optional (but highly recommended) joint neutral venue activities.
Schools must cover their own transport and supply costs.
Which schools can apply?
All schools are welcome to express an interest – community schools, academies, independent schools, faith schools, special schools, secondary schools.
We are initially looking for 14 Key Stage 2 classes, but may be able to work with a larger number and a different demographic if there is sufficient interest.
Whole year groups, rather than single classes, can participate, if required.
Derby has been chosen as a pilot area for a national project aimed at establishing and sustaining local school linking. Based upon an extensively trialled, cost effective linking model established in Bradford, the programme offers a positive, age appropriate curriculum contribution to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, addressing British values and the Prevent Duty.
The project follows a structured year long programme of curriculum work exploring identity, diversity, community and equality. There are regular opportunities for students from partner schools to meet, discover what they share in common and cooperate together on varied, fun activities. This will include visits to and from your partner school.
Participation builds interpersonal, communication and intercultural skills for students. It develops staff confidence and expertise in supporting the personal and social development of pupils and offering leadership to colleagues in developing an inclusive, outward looking ethos.
Schools participating in the project will receive:
- Two training afternoons for class teachers on developing and planning a successful link, supporting communication skills, dealing with difficult conversations, challenging perceptions and encouraging critical thinking.
- Tried and tested resources and lesson plans to support project delivery across the curriculum especially in literacy, ICT, PSHE
- Opportunity for students and staff to participate in facilitated joint workshops at neutral venues such as Pride Park Stadium and Derby Arena
- Project coordinator support via phone, email or school visit
- School consultancy support which can include input at staff meetings, governor meetings, parents evenings etc with a focus on British Values, SMSC , global learning, local or international linking as negotiated
The programme is funded by DCLG and DfE to support schools to get started with linking and provide CPD support.
There will be a fee of £150 per class towards optional (but highly recommended) joint neutral venue activities.
Schools must cover their own transport and supply costs.
Which schools can apply?
All schools are welcome to express an interest – community schools, academies, independent schools, faith schools, special schools, secondary schools.
We are initially looking for 14 Key Stage 2 classes, but may be able to work with a larger number and a different demographic if there is sufficient interest.
Whole year groups, rather than single classes, can participate, if required.
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Project funded by:
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