Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to join the programme?
All schools affiliated to the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust may join. Simply refer to the details on the 'how to apply' page and complete the application form, which can be downloaded there.
How long does the programme last?
The programme has no 'end date', because the hope is that links will be sustainable. If there are unavoidable reasons for ending a partnership, it is important to let the SSAT know.
We are a specialist science college. Do we have to focus on science for our link?
It certainly isn't compulsory. However, it can be very effective to link project work to your school's specialism, especially as there may be extra funding available to support specialism work.
Can we find a French partner interested in applied learning?
If you would like to be part of the applied learning strand (starting from January 2008), your school must be actively involved in applied learning, for example through an applied learning specialism.
Can we include a partner school in the link, if both sides agree to this?
This should be fine if your French partners agree. Within the programme there are examples of schools combining with others in their area to facilitate visits as well partnerships where consortia of English schools and colleges that work together all share the partnership with France.
Can our new partner school join with us to set up a Comenius project?
Absolutely. Comenius projects fit very well with the objectives of the programme. You could seek funding for a bilateral partnership with your French school or also include schools from other countries in a multilateral arrangement. For more information see www.britishcouncil.org.
If we encounter a difficulty, is there someone supporting the schools in France who can help to solve the problem?
Yes, the French schools are supported by their local DAREIC (regional international office). There is also a central support team at the CIEP, who are in regular contact with us.
My partner isn't answering my emails - what should I do?
Let us know. We can contact our French colleagues, who will get in touch with the headteacher of the French school to discuss the problem. Then we'll get back to you, and hopefully there will be a way of getting back on track.
Can our new partner school join the Comenius project we are setting up?
Absolutely. Comenius projects fit very well with the objectives of the programme. Sometimes the French school can bring in other partners through its own contacts.
We don't feel that the partner school we have been given is appropriate for us. Can we get a different partner?
This may be possible in some instances, depending on the nature of the problem and the availability of an alternative school. Careful consideration is, however, always given to the matching process and we would generally prefer to find a means of helping you to make the partnership work. Please get in touch with us to discuss the situation in more detail.
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