Global Dimension

Developing the global dimension in the school curriculum - for Foundation Stage

In March 2006 a booklet entitled "Developing the global dimension in the school curriculum" was published by a consortium of government bodies and NGOs: DFID, DfES, Sure Start, QCA, DEA and the British Council.

The booklet suggests ways in which a global dimension can be easily integrated into typical foundation stage.

The free booklet includes a subject-by-subject guide, along with National Curriculum links, for early years up to key stage 4. There are also sections about the benefits of incorporating a global dimension for both pupils and teachers and ideas for enriching existing school activities and improving standards. The booklet has many case studies to illustrate how schools are including a global dimension in school life, through a variety of classroom and whole-school activities.

Reasons for adding this publication to your reading list:

• Children need to make sense of what it means to grow up and live in a globalised world.
• Integrating a global dimension enhances all areas of learning and engages and interests children.
• The booklet makes links between suggested activities and areas of learning.
• The activities help practitioners respond to global issues that children raise.
• The 8 concepts of the global dimension provide a framework within which practitioners can look beyond the activities suggested to further integrate a global dimension in their practice.

"By bringing a global dimension into the Early Years you are opening up the children's eyes to the world around them. By taking hold of those valuable opportunities Practitioners have the chance to enhance the children's own understanding of themselves and the wider world. Incorporating the global dimension into children's everyday lives makes a positive difference and gives them the necessary skills to meet difference with respect. The next generation of global citizens is in our care and we have a responsibility to provide experiences that will develop the child as a whole. We hold the future in our hands."

Sarah Lynch - Early Years Advanced Skills Teacher (Ad Astra First School Poole Dorset).

Download Developing the Global Dimension in the School Curriculum as a .pdf document

Hard copies are free and can be ordered from the Department for International Development (DFID). Please email enquiry@dfid.gov.uk with your name and address, contact telephone number, and number of copies required.

Alternatively, contact DFID's public enquiry point telephone: 0845 300 4100.

Teachers can find supporting resources at www.globaldimension.org.uk