At Whiteheath Junior School, we believe it is essential that children grow up with an understanding of the wider world and their place within it. Since November 2021, we have been developing meaningful international partnerships that enrich our curriculum and help our children to become confident global citizens.

We are especially proud of our long-standing partnership with The Sterling Hall School in Canada, an independent all-boys’ school. For over two years, our children have collaborated with theirs on projects designed to allow comparisons not only between our schools, but also between our cultures, traditions, and experiences of learning.

Our International Projects
Our projects are carefully linked to the National Curriculum and support children’s learning goals. Examples include:
•    Maths Collaboration – During our Maths Day, children shared examples of their work and problem-solving approaches. Sterling Hall children responded by sharing how they learn maths in Canada, sparking conversations about similarities and differences in learning styles.
•    English Project – The Tin Forest – Both schools studied the same book and exchanged creative writing, artwork, and reflections. Children compared their interpretations and discussed how literature can inspire imagination across cultures.
•    Sports Week – During our Sports Week, children took part in physical activities and team challenges, then compared their experiences with Sterling Hall’s Sports Day. This highlighted the shared values of teamwork, celebration, and healthy competition across schools.
•    Cultural Exchange through Letters – Our children have written letters to the Canadian link teacher to find out more about life and learning at her school. She has replied with thoughtful answers, inspiring our children to ask more questions. This year, we are extending this to include letters, voice notes, and video messages between children, creating direct peer-to-peer connections.
These projects mean that children are not simply learning about other countries but are actively learning with their international peers.

Our Globetrotters
All children at Whiteheath Junior School are recognised as Globetrotters, taking part in activities that broaden their horizons and develop their knowledge of the wider world.
Each class also elects a Globetrotter Leader – a child who volunteers to represent their class. These leaders wear specially designed badges to mark their role and importance. They support the Global Links teacher in leading assemblies, helping with projects, and encouraging classmates to take an active role in international learning.

This pupil leadership ensures that global education is celebrated across the school and gives children a real voice in shaping our international work.

Why Global Links Matter
International partnerships enrich education and provide long-lasting benefits for children and staff alike. Through our Global Links programme, we aim to:
•    Help children appreciate diversity and challenge stereotypes, preparing them to thrive in a multicultural society.
•    Give children opportunities to communicate with international peers, building confidence, empathy, and respect.
•    Encourage children to see themselves as global citizens, developing awareness of both local and global communities.
•    Enable teachers to share practice and ideas with colleagues abroad, strengthening teaching and learning.

Our Commitment
We are committed to continuing and expanding our international work. In the coming year we will:
•    Build on our partnership with Sterling Hall by developing pupil-to-pupil exchanges through letters, videos, and collaborative projects.
•    Ensure that all year groups take part in at least one international project each year.
•    Continue to link projects closely to the KS2 curriculum, so that global learning supports children’s academic progress.
•    Provide opportunities for children to reflect on what they have learned about themselves, others, and the wider world.

In Summary
Our Global Links programme is designed to prepare children at Whiteheath Junior School for life in a diverse and interconnected world. By working alongside international peers and celebrating their role as Globetrotters, children develop curiosity, confidence, and respect for others – ensuring they leave us ready to play a positive role in their communities and beyond.

We also hold a Humanities Week in school to further the children's understanding and enjoyment of global links. More information can be found in the newsletter below. 

In our video gallery (link below), you will find a number of videos which we have shared with our international partner schools - a comparison video about our school; a video created by our Year 3s about their work on the Tin Forest; a video showing our partner school how much our children enjoyed a Jelly Bean Maths Morning; a video about our day with The Code Show; and a video showcasing our fantastic Humanities Week.