Connecting Classrooms supports teachers and school leaders to improve teaching, giving students the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make a positive contribution to society. Through schools links, professional development for teachers and engaging learning resources, Connecting Classrooms helps develop students equipped to live and work in a globalised world. The programme is funded by the British Council and the Department for International Development.
In OPT the programme supports the aims of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for system and curriculum reform, professional development, and improved inclusive learning outcomes for young people.
Over its last phase, Connecting Classrooms provided training for 263 school teachers and leaders from 241 schools in transferable skills. Four schools have run successful partnership with UK schools. Just over 150 schools have received the British Council’s International School Award for developing and embedding international learning through curriculum-based international activities, reaching 47,000 students aged 6–18.
In September the British Council held a conference on improving learning outcomes and inclusion in primary and secondary education in the Middle East and North Africa region, which took place in Beirut. Ministers, policymakers and senior practitioners explored the impact of the last three years of the Connecting Classrooms programme and the British Council’s work in schools across the MENA region. Delegates also had the opportunity to share their national and regional educational contexts and reflect on their approaches.
The Occupied Palestinian Territories was represented by Dr Sabri Saidam, the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Muawia Amar, Chief Education and Higher Education, UNRWA West Bank, Farid Abu-Athra, Chief Field Education Programme, UNRWA Gaza and Martin Daltry, Director Occupied Palestinian Territories, British Council.