The Benefits of the
International Dimension
1
The Benefits of the International Dimension
OBJECTIVES
To reflect on:
1. What is meant by the International Dimension
2. What the benefits to the school are of having an International
Dimension
3. How the International Dimension is demonstrated in schools
4. What a Global Citizen looks like
5. How schools may develop their International Dimension and
Global Citizenship
Also:
1. Carrying out a SWOT analysis of the International Dimension
2. Creating an elevator pitch for the International Dimension
3. Considering the importance of each of the 8 dimensions of the
Global Education in schools
Q1. What do we mean by an International
Dimension in a school? and
What are the benefits to a school of the
International Dimension?
Q2. How is this demonstrated in your
school or where have you seen it
demonstrated in other settings?
An International Dimension:
“Demonstrating a commitment
to developing global citizens by
embedding internationalism
throughout the ethos and
curriculum of the school.”
Q3. What does a global citizen look like?
Think about the:
• qualities,
• attributes,
• skills,
• knowledge and
• aspirations
an individual needs in
order to thrive as a
global citizen.
Is globally aware
questioning
thirst for knowledge
confident
independent
willing to have a go
listens and reflects
makes a difference
gets on well with others
perseveres
generates ideas
literate
critical
flexible
communicates well
self-esteem
curious
shaper
shows initiative
acts with integrity
learns from mistakes
creative
‘can do’ attitude
thinks for themselves
With thanks to QCDA
Activity 1
SWOT analysis
What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats for the creation of global citizen in your school?
S
W
O
T
Strengths inside the school
Weaknesses inside the school
Opportunities outside the school
Threats outside the school
Q4. How will the International
Dimension and Global Citizenship be
made real in your school?
Will it be:
• a lesson or series of lessons
• a project
• embedded in the curriculum
• part of the culture
Activity 2
Why is the international dimension in
schools important?
How do you articulate
to others the reasons
why do you believe in
having a global
dimension within your
school?
This is your “elevator
pitch”.
The Global Dimension from a UK
Perspective
This is a document
produced by the DfE in
the UK.
It sets out 8 key
concepts of
International
Education.
Activity 3
What is the meaning for you of each of
these?
The 8 key concepts of the Global Dimension in
schools (UK) are:
1. Global citizenship
2. Interdependence
3. Conflict resolution
4. Sustainable development
5. Diversity
6. Social justice
7. Human rights
8. Values and perceptions
So is it possible to produce a Global citizen?
• Born in Honolulu
• Father born in Kenya
• Mother born in Kansas
• Step father born Indonesia
• Brought up in Jakarta
• Then raised in Hawaii
• Graduated in New York
Who is this?
YES I
AM!
• Would you say he is a global citizen?
• What would he say?
Plenary
What action will you now take to develop the International Dimension
in your school?