STUDENTS from Ratton School will join counterparts from eight Middle Eastern countries in London this month to debate global issues and build greater understanding between the two regions.
Four Ratton students will meet with pupils from their partner school in Kuwait at a one-day Global Citizenship conference as part of their involvement in the British Council's Connecting Classrooms programme.
They will be joined by students from ot
her schools across England, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, who are all involved in the international school linking scheme.
The students will have the opportunity to discuss key global issues such as climate change and globalisation at the youth conference, held at the British Council's head office in central London.
The event aims to encourage cross-cultural dialogue, build stronger links between young people in different countries, and encourage them to think about their role in a global society.
A school spokesperson said, "Our students have already learned so much about life in Kuwait through our Connecting Classrooms partnership and the conference next week will be a unique opportunity for them to continue the dialogue face to face.
"Young people the world over share many of the same hopes and dreams, and it is these kinds of valuable experiences that can make a difference to the way our countries relate to each other in the future.
"This is yet another step in Ratton School's global outlook as we continue to share international links. We are very fortunate to be part of this outstanding project, as the Ratton students use this opportunity as a stepping stone in their own education"
Following the London meeting, students and teachers from the Kuwaiti school will spend four days in Eastbourne to learn more about life in UK schools and local communities.
Milena Thorburn, a 15-year-old pupil at Ratton. said, "I'm very excited about meeting our partners face to face and having a chance to learn what they really think about different issues, and to show them around our school and the town.
"Eastbourne is a wonderful place to visit and our visitors from The International School in Kuwait can expect to see a true English coastal town surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty."
Through their Connecting Classrooms partnerships, students and teachers in Eastbourne and Kuwait have been working together on classroom-based projects, which aim to broaden pupils' and teachers' international horizons, increase motivation in the classroom and help young people develop the skills and understanding they need for life in a global society.
Through learning about their partners' lives and culture, pupils and teachers also learn about their own communities, heritage and identity.
