The Schools Linking programme brings communities together by linking schools from across Sheffield and Rotherham. We bring together two classes from demographically diverse schools. Class links take place throughout the year and together pupils explore ideas around identity, diversity, community and championing equality.
The school linking programme has been endorsed by The Ministry of Housing, communities and local government (MHCLG), and the department of Education (DfE).
During the linking year the children meet three times, the first of the meetings being in a neutral venue, followed by visits to each other’s schools in the spring/summer term. Throughout these classes the children exchange the work they have completed and explore things such as, Who am I? Who are we? Where do we live? and How do we all live together? These topics are important to bring the community of pupils together, and to help them identify and understand their own identities and how individuals from different backgrounds can live harmoniously amongst one another. Alongside this, the students will develop critical thinking skills, reflection, communication, empathy, awareness and respect for those around them.
This programme offers benefits to schools too. the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, ensures that the children can thrive in an environment of differences. furthermore, pupils can experience shared British Values, celebrating diversity and individual liberty.
Pupil feedback after a Schools Linking Day visit to the Graves Art Gallery included:
‘I’ve learnt about these two (pupils from the other linked school).. I’ve learnt about where they have come from and all the stuff that they do and I’ve thought it was interesting to meet people which you really wouldn’t usually see.’
‘I’ve learnt that lots of people have different lifestyles and like different things but people are very similar when you get to know them.’
‘I just wanted to say, a real valuable experience for both myself and the kids, thoroughly enjoyed it, especially seeing kids contribute and grow in confidence.’ Sheffield Teacher
There is ongoing demand from schools for the programme as awareness of its benefits continues to spread locally. School budgets however remain extremely tight, with no scope to indulge in ‘luxuries’ such as coach hire. Our fundraising target is for £250 to pay for coach hire for a class to be able to get to a linking day. The small amounts needed to facilitate the linking process generate added value far beyond their monetary worth.
