Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has called for assurances that opportunities for schools in the constituency to benefit from programmes with schools internationally will not be impacted by Covid-induced financial pressures.
Several schools in the Vale of Clwyd have taken part in the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning schools programme, which supports schools to link around the world on global curriculum projects through partnerships.
The programme, which is a partnership between the British Council and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, offers an interactive online platform for collaboration, grants for teachers to visit their partner schools and professional development for teachers and school leaders.
In the House of Commons yesterday, James spoke of the opportunities these programmes have provided pupils and school staff in the Vale of Clwyd and asked the Minister for Asia at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Nigel Adams MP, whether such opportunities will still exist going forward in light of the financial strains resulting from Covid.
He said:
"In 2019-20, there were six schools in my constituency that benefited from excellent British Council programmes. Five were twinned with schools elsewhere in the world, and one - Ysgol Llywelyn in Rhyl - received an international school award.
"Will my hon. Friend confirm that opportunities such as these will not be impacted by covid-induced financial pressures?"
The Minister told James that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will continue to fund the programme for 2021-22.
James added:
"These programmes help pupils understand the big issues that shape our world and equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make a positive contribution. I am therefore very pleased that funding for them is to continue into next year and hope that it will be provided beyond that too."
