Leicester Primary Schools Linking
The Leicester Schools Linking Project utilises a programme which has been developed by The Linking Network to connect classes across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Local projects deliver Schools Linking across England and Wales.
In Leicester it is delivered by Project FREE.
This free project links individual classes from different schools, for a yearlong programme, ensuring mutual benefit for both schools.
Children/young people connect and communicate in different ways, participate in shared activities and exchange work to get to know each other and explore the themes of identity, diversity, community and justice.
Pupils connect and communicate in different ways, participate in shared activities and exchange work to get to know each other through the exploration of four key questions:
Who am I? – exploring identity
Who are we? – celebrating diversity
Where do we live? – championing community
How do we all live well together? - promoting justice
We provide carefully planned, curriculum-rich lessons in 3 phases, corresponding to the terms of the school year, along with opportunities to meet your link class, remotely and face-to-face.
There is no charge for this project
During Phase 1, children explore their own identities and those of others, exchange work and meet virtually over live video calls.
In Phase 2 children take part in social action projects and each class visits their partner class and hosts their partner class in return.
Finally, in Phase 3 there is a Celebration Week of activities and an opportunity to connect with schools from all across England who are also taking part in Schools Linking.
All resources to deliver the project to your class are provided free of charge.
Two online teacher training sessions, with your link partner, are provided free of charge.
Continuous support is provided by Leicester Schools Linking Local Area Facilitator, Ruth Sinhal.
However, it is each school’s responsibility to cover the cost of transport when visiting their link class’s school.
“We enjoyed going to our linking school as we were able to see their school and how it is different to ours. However, we also found many similarities. The children were very polite, kind, friendly and welcoming. It has been exciting exchanging the work we did individually.”
YEAR 4 Children
“The Schools Linking Project has been wonderful for our children. It has provided them with opportunities to explore diversity within their wider community and build positive respectful relationships. Witnessing the buzz of excitement when the children finally met their linking class and engaged in learning together was reward in itself. Through the game playing and questioning they soon discovered that despite visual differences they had many things in common. They have been thoroughly engaged in all their learning and continue to talk about their experiences with enthusiasm, even expressing their desire to continue with the project as it nears its’ end. In their review of Year 3 the project was by far a favourite highlight of the year! All lessons are well-planned and resourced and include a wide range of activities that can be adapted to suit your classes' needs.”
Teacher, Leicester Primary School