International Education

We chose Beijing as a relevant Term 3 project for P6/7 to stimulate interest in and an understanding about the city behind the 2008 Olympic Games.

This has proved to be a valuable cross cutting theme, providing excellent opportunities to adopt an inter-disciplinary approach and an abundance of Rich Tasks.

The session will draw on examples of practice which highlight how we developed an inspiring and challenging environment with quality learning and teaching enjoyed across the curriculum.

Pupils will help present an account of

• mathematics, involving rod numerals and the use of the abacus
• languages, using traditional Chinese tales and the use of basic Mandarin as well as understanding and using Chinese characters
• health and wellbeing, involving discussion on Human Rights
• Religious and moral education apropos the limiting of families, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
• Expressive arts involving the creation of Chinese melodies, designing New Year masks, fans and lanterns as well as creating and performing Dragon dance sequences and silk painting.

Throughout, the pupils meaningfully enhanced IT skills through personal research and recording events using Radio Waves and Power Point.

This was all underpinned with help from members of the wider community who gave of their expertise to add to the immense success of the project.

Lesley Blair is a Principal Teacher at Balmerino Primary and is acting up as Headteacher at this point in time.

She has considerable teaching experience in primary education.