What is the Global Learning Programme?
The Global Learning Programme (GLP) strengthens the capacity of primary in Northern Ireland to embed global learning using a whole school approach by providing them with teacher training, resources and guidance grounded in the NI Curriculum. Each participating school nominates a teacher to lead on global learning. The school then works towards attaining their Level 1 and 2 GLP certification. The programme is managed by the Centre for Global Education and funded by the UK government. Over the next three years, hundreds of schools will be able to participate. Similar Global Learning Programmes are also on-going in England, Scotland and Wales.
What is global learning?
Global learning is essentially ‘education for a fair and sustainable world.’ In other words, a world free of poverty where all human beings are treated with respect and dignity and where individuals, communities, businesses and countries behave and develop in a way which meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of other people and future generations. Key global learning concepts include poverty, global inequality, social justice, sustainable development and global interdependence.
Why global learning?
Pupils today need to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and dispositions that will enable them to realise their potential and make responsible choices within our increasingly globalised and rapidly changing world. Studies have shown they have a great interest in learning about the world around them. A 2009 survey by Ipsos MORI revealed that 92% of young people thought it was important to learn where the things they use, such as food, energy and water, come from. Another piece of research, published by the Centre for Global Education in 2010, highlighted the desire of Northern Irish pupils to learn more about global issues, as well as their willingness to engage actively in change to make the world a better place.
How does the GLP support the NI curriculum?
The Global Learning Programme is not an add-on to the curriculum, but rather provides an important lens through which to explore and enhance the existing curriculum strands, topics and skills. Participating schools are guided on how best to integrate global learning across each of their subjects from maths to music. For example, in maths lessons pupils can examine statistics on global inequality, while in music they can explore songs about injustice from around the world.
The programme helps schools meet existing curriculum requirements, promotes connected learning, and strengthens the quality of teaching within Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU), The World Around Us, Local and Global Citizenship, and the Key Elements. Additionally, the GLP complements other initiatives and award schemes currently operating in schools, such as Eco-Schools, Fairtrade Schools, International Schools and Rights Respecting Schools.
See this page for examples of how global learning resources can be used at primary level to meet requirements and this page for some post-primary examples. Ultimately, the aim is to aid schools in equipping learners with the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to contribute to developing a fair and sustainable world.
