Inclusion conference

First up this morning was the panel discussion. Kate Hodson, headteacher from Coningsby St Michaels, was flying the flag for the UK. She discussed how we include all children and what challenges are faced by schools in the UK.

Planning projects

This afternoon we have all been busy planning joint curriculum projects. It was interesting how each group of schools tackled it in different ways and have come up with some interesting projects.

Feeding back on school visits

This morning all the different groups fed back on what they had observed and found out during the visits to school yesterday. The overarching theme that came out was that all the children wanted to learn and valued education. 

Core skills lesson

Next we delivered a lesson about 'Would you like to be a child growing up in the UK?' First we looked at some slides identifying pros and cons. Then we used some of the Critical and Problem solving skills to answer the question.

Tour of the school

First we welcomed into the school by a group of children in traditional Palestinian dress they told us all about their costumes and symbolism that went with them.

After this we were greeted by a group of girls singing and dancing about unity, of having one home, one country, being a citizen and spreading this love to everyone. A very important message considering the schools situation.

Following on from this we toured the rest of the school, observing a couple of lessons and looking how they had included the core skills in them.

Marka Prep G.2 school

This was a great school, which due to increasing numbers has to do a double session, one group of children come for the morning then another in the afternoon. It was originally set up just for Palestinian refugees but now takes in Syrian & Iraqi children who have fled their homes. 

Visiting this school is such an eye opening time visiting and a truly amazing experience! To see all the children keen and eager to learn is so fantastic and highlights all the things our children take for granted. There was no heating in the school and the temperature was down to around 5 degrees but not once did the children complain. 

School visits

This morning we went out to different schools around Amman run by UNRWA.

Our group went to the Marka Camp area.The Marka refugee camp (Arabic: مخيم ماركا) is one of six "emergency" camps erected in 1968 to shelter 15,000 Palestinian Refugees and displaced persons who left the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Estimates now believe there is in excess of 100,000 people living in this camp now.

Getting to know our partner school

This morning we have been busy getting to know our partner schools and sharing cultural items. 

Creature of Learning

Designing a creature of learning showing one of the key aspects of the core skills.

Education Systems

This morning we have discussed the education systems in the UK & across the MENA region. What has become apparent to everyone is that we are all facing similar challenges. 

Education crisis in MENA region

Makes you realise how lucky we are in the UK. All children deserve an education.

The Conference Begins

The context of Education in the MENA region, over 2.9 million children of secondary age not in school. 

Arrived safely

We have all arrived safely in Jordan and waiting patiently at the airport