“Connecting Classrooms has provided an opportunity for pupils to gain an awareness and understanding of different communities living in their area, and in the wider world” - Bradford teacher

Working with schools in Pakistan

Facts about Pakistan

A South Asian country with more than 190 million population, half under 25 years A federal parliamentary republic consisting of four provinces and four federal territories. Islamabad is the capital while Karachi in Sindh and Lahore in Punjab are mega cities.

Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkwa and Mirpur in Kashmir are other prominent cities. Pakistan comprises many diverse cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis in the centre,

Kashmiris to the east, Sindhis, Muhajirs and Makrani in the south: Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi, and Burusho in the north.

Pakistani cuisine is a blend of cooking traditions from different regions of the Indian subcontinent. 

Field Hockey is the national sport but Cricket is the national passion. Squash, Kabbadi, Wrestling, Tennis, Boxing, Polo, Football and Athletics are also popular.

Education system in Pakistan

The constitution requires the state to provide free primary and secondary education. National literacy Rate 58% (69% Male & 45% Female) Education is divided into: Primary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Secondary. In rural areas 57% children (aged 6-16) are in public schools, 17% Private, 2% Madrasa

with 18% never enrolled and 5% dropping out. In urban areas 38% are in public schools, 52% in private, 1.8% madrasa with 7% never

enrolled or dropping out. (Source: Annual State of Education Report Pakistan) Over 500 schools offer UK School exams managed by the British Council

Education Challenges

Article 25A enshrines the Right to Education in the constitution, however: Only 1.5-2.0% of GNP spent on Education Shortage of resource including human resource Low levels of literacy and numeracy Millions of children out of school Multiple medium of instruction (Urdu, English, Pashto, Sindhi) Teacher absenteeism Overcrowded classrooms Regional and Gender disparities in education Insecurity of teachers and pupils in some parts of the country

Why partner with Pakistan? What are the benefits for pupils? A real life global context for the whole curriculum . Learning is real, relevant and exciting, and builds motivation and self-confidence. Understanding Pakistani and South Asian culture, society and education Understanding their rights and responsibilities as global citizens. Preparing to work in a global economy and build a fairer, more sustainable world. Motivation to build trust between communities in Pakistan and the UK.

What are the benefits for teachers and educators?

A chance to improve teaching skills and the curriculum by sharing best practice Opportunities to visit your partner school in Pakistan with the British Council. A greater understanding of other countries, their cultures and their education

systems. Recognition for your school through the British Council's International School

Award. Resources to help you explore social, environmental, and cultural themes. Access to online British Council-run professional development courses. A way to engage your local community and connect with other local schools.

How can the British Council help you partner with Pakistan?

We can support you in: Finding a partner – or school ‘cluster’ partner - and helping you apply Funding your partnership Managing your visit safely - visas, travel, accommodation, meet and greet etc. Advice and support every step of the way

Which areas of Pakistan can you visit?

British Council manages regular UK school partner visits to host schools in line with FCO travel advice, in:

Islamabad Capital Territory Punjab Kashmir Some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh

Next steps

Register at British Council British Council will suggest potential school partners in Pakistan and connect you Develop a joint application for Connecting Classrooms grant funded partnership The next application deadlines are 28th June and 28th October 2013 For more info, please email schools@britishcouncil.org

Feedback from participants

“I never knew it snowed in Pakistan. They are like us really aren’t they sir, in lots of ways” – a Year One pupil, Oldham

“The link with Pakistan has been a significant learning journey for many of the teachers” - a teacher in Birmingham

“ This project, and my visit to Abbottabad, has been one of the most inspiring experiences in my whole 30-year teaching career” – a teacher in Durham

Contact us

schools@britishcouncil.org

www.britishcouncil.org/schoolsonline

www.britishcouncil.org/isa

www.britishcouncil.org/connectingclassrooms