WORK WITH US
At Lingual Exchange, we believe that the goal of an enduring partnership is for it to become embedded deeply and widely across participating schools.
Partnership sustainability is in large part about the active involvement of people within the school, including teachers, teaching assistants, the leadership team and governors, students and their parents. Research suggests that commitment to building relationships and a long-term future are essential for the durability of a healthy partnership.
Vulnerability is increased if the partnership relies on only one or two people; therefore greater security can be provided by setting up partnership committees for both partners, involving at least one school administrator. If every committee member maintains regular communication with their partnership counterpart, a number of connections will be formed to strengthen the relationship. Whenever a new member joins the committee, the partnership is rooted more deeply in the school community. Young people, parents and interested community members bring valuable perspectives to the committee, although some prefer to set up separate student committees. Whatever the structure, it should be established in both schools. The committee can play a valuable role by matching interested teachers with their counterparts and encouraging all teachers to get involved. Good communications, such as noticeboards, presentations in school assemblies or a newsletter, are essential in supporting the whole school approach.
Equipment will be useful in sustaining the partnership, but it can be costly to buy and maintain. Useful items might include:
• a computer with internet access –in a teacher’s home or in the wider community.
• a scanner to send images of students’ work.
• a printer so that the partner
school’s work can be shown to the students and displayed.
• a digital camera.
• a mobile phone or landline which allows schools to get in touch quickly.