International Partnerships at TEAM Multi-Academy Trust

Vision: "Life, Love, and Learning to the Full"

At TEAM Multi-Academy Trust, we believe that understanding what it means to be part of a global community and a responsible global citizen is vital to every child's education. Our vision, "Life, Love, and Learning to the Full," is reflected in our commitment to international partnerships, which enrich our students' educational experiences and foster a deep appreciation for diversity and interconnectedness.

Our Global Connections

For many years, we have cultivated strong relationships with schools worldwide, including in India, Uganda, Kenya, and across Europe. Our aim is to ensure that our children gain a comprehensive understanding of the world they live in, equipping them to build positive relationships with peers both locally and globally.

Our schools have actively participated in numerous British Council Erasmus projects, collaborating with schools across Europe. These projects have included residential experiences in Segovia, Spain, and Berlin, Germany, enabling students to immerse themselves in different cultures and develop a sense of empathy and understanding.

Pioneering Global Education: The Lourdes Central School Partnership

Our journey into international education truly began in 2008 with our partnership with Lourdes Central School in Mangalore,

India. This collaboration marked the start of our expertise in global education and set the foundation for the many international connections we have built since.

Over the years, our relationship with Lourdes Central School has flourished through a variety of engaging projects, including a pen-pal programme, reciprocal visits, and curriculum-linked initiatives that fostered mutual understanding and cultural exchange. Pupils from Lourdes have visited Pilton Bluecoat Academy on several occasions, and in 2012, a group of pupils and staff from Pilton Bluecoat travelled to Mangalore, deepening the connections between our school communities.

Our commitment to this partnership remains strong. In August 2024, the CEO of TEAM MAT visited Lourdes Central School and five other schools in Karnataka to explore new opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing the value we place on this long-standing relationship. Our ongoing work with these schools continues to be a cornerstone of our international efforts, driving forward our vision of "Life, Love, and Learning to the Full."

 

Expanding Collaborations Across India and Beyond

Building on our foundation with Lourdes Central School, we have expanded our global reach through partnerships with several other schools across India:

• Sanjivani International School, Mumbai: Witheridge Academy and High Bickington Academy have established a successful partnership with Sanjivani International School. This collaboration, which has been thriving for three years, recently earned the prestigious British Council International Schools Award.

• St. Joseph’s CBSE School, Bangalore: Partnering with Pilton Infants and Swimbridge CofE Primary School, St. Joseph’s focuses on blending spiritual values with academic excellence. Our collaboration aims to involve younger children in international activities, promoting early awareness of global citizenship.

• SDM School, Mangalore: Linked with Beaford Community Primary and Nursery School, SDM School fosters creativity, intellectual growth, and cultural richness. Recent discussions have centred on joint projects related to environmental issues, such as overfishing and the study of medicinal plants.

• St. Aloysius International School, Harihar: Partnering with Brayford and Umberleigh, this newly established school shows great promise. Our collaboration focuses on building strong foundations for a global educational initiative through shared learning experiences.

• Shri Sharada School, Annigeri: Linked with Horwood and Newton Tracey Primary School, Shri Sharada School is committed to providing a forward-thinking education. Future projects will explore cultural exchanges and collaborative initiatives that reflect our shared values.

Focus on the UNICEF Sustainable Development Goals

A central element of our international partnerships is our commitment to the UNICEF Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals form the focus of much of our work with both children and staff when working in partnership with schools around the world. By aligning our projects and activities with the SDGs, we aim to promote a sense of global responsibility and empower our students to think critically about the challenges our world faces today, from environmental sustainability to social justice.

Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Global Education

Our international partnerships are not just about exchanging letters or occasional visits. They are about building enduring relationships that bring our vision of "Life, Love, and Learning to the Full" to life. By collaborating with schools worldwide, we create opportunities for our students to engage with different cultures, think critically about global issues, and develop into compassionate, informed, and active global citizens.

We are excited about the future and the endless possibilities that our international partnerships bring to our Trust. Together, we will continue to expand our global reach and enrich the lives of our students, living out our vision in every corner of the world.