1. International Partnership London 2011 Paula Contreras

2. As I embarked on my Educational Internship through my doctoral program at UNCW I was looking forward to another visit to Barking and Dagenham schools. I was fortunate to have two other employees from my school district to share in the experience with me. This proved to be a valuable reflective opportunity for discussions following our visits to each school. We all learned so much, gained valuable perspective and new ideas. The focus of my trip was to obtain international partnerships for the schools in my school district. Through my visit last year I had established a partnership with Rush Green Infant School. The partnership proved to be a wonderful global opportunity for my school. I had hoped that new opportunities would result in new global resources in my school district.

3. Schools in the borough There are 11 Infant Schools, 11 Junior Schools, 25 Primary Schools, 9 Secondary Schools, 1 Secondary Tuition Centre (Referral Unit) and 1 Special School serving the community in Barking and Dagenham.

4. The National Curriculum key stages The National Curriculum is organized into blocks of years called 'key stages'. There are four key stages as well as an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS covers education for children before they reach five (compulsory school age).

5. Key Stages / US Grade Level Comparison AgeYearKey Stage (KS)Assessment 3-4 EYFS Infant School 4-5Reception (US PreK)EYFS Infant School 5-6 Year 1 (US – Kindergarten)KS1 Infant School 6-7 Year 2 (US – First Grade)KS1 Infant School Teacher assessments in English, math and science 7-8 Year 3 (US – Second Grade)KS2 Junior School 8-9 Year 4 (US – Third Grade)KS2 Junior School 9-10 Year 5 (US – Fourth Grade)KS2 Junior School 10-11 Year 6 (US – Fifth Grade)KS2 Junior School National tests and teacher assessments in English, math and science 11-12 Year 7 ( US – Sixth Grade)KS3 Secondary SchoolOngoing teacher assessments 12-13 Year 8 (US – Seventh Grade)KS3 Secondary SchoolOngoing teacher assessments 13-14 Year 9 (US – Eighth Grade)KS3 Secondary School Teacher assessments in English, math and science and the other foundation subjects 14-15 Year 10 (US – Ninth Grade)KS4 Secondary SchoolSome children take GCSEs 15-16 Year 11 (US – Tenth Grade) KS4 Secondary School Sixth Form Most children take GCSEs or other national qualifications 16-17Year 12 (US – Eleventh Grade)

6. Sat, June 18Sun., June 19Mon., June 20 John Perry Primary Contact: Allan Watkins Schedule: 8:30 am - 2:00 Lunch at school. Tues., June 21 Village Infant School Contact: Jayne Meech Schedule: 1:30 – 3:30 Wed., June 22 Grafton Infant School Contact: Carole Daly Schedule: 9:30 – 2:00 Lunch with Students. Thurs. June 23 Rush Green Infant Rush Green Junior Contact: Lorraine Williams Schedule: 8:15 – 2:00 Action Plan 2011 - 2012 Classroom Visits Dinner w/ Head Teachers Fri., June 24 Rush Green Infant School Rush Green Junior School Contact: Lorraine Williams Arrival: 10:30 Meeting with the governors at 11:00 England Time (4:00 US Time) Sat., June 25Sun. June 26Mon. June 27 Tues., June 28 Warren Junior School Contact: Matt Goodyear Mr. Wilder Schedule: 9:30 – 3:00 Lunch Provided Also visiting Furze Infant School (New Hardz Federation Schools) Wed. June 29 Go Home Check out of Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel Travel Group: Paula Contreras Assistant Head (Queens Creek Elem) Jan Johnson Fourth grade Teacher (Dixon Elem) Miles Gonzales Teacher Assistant (Summersill Elem) Itinerary for School Visits

7. John Perry Primary Head Teacher: Mrs A Carnelley Assistant Head Teacher: Mr A Watkins Age range: 3-11 Number of pupils on roll: 466

8. John Perry Primary Students display art work throughout the school. They have a beautiful garden for the students to experience nature during recess.

9. John Perry Primary Covered umbrellas were on the playground area to provide shade and shelter from rain. Mosaic representations that the students made of themselves were proudly displayed.

10. Village Infant Head Teacher: Ms H Layton Assistant Head Teacher: Ms J Meech Gender: Mixed Age range: 3-7 Number of pupils on roll: 321

11. Village Infant This school provided a warm and inviting learning environment for their students. The teachers have created learning centers to address all learning styles and subject areas in a positive and child-centered manner.

12. Village Infant Literature-based art work was displayed and discussed. The school library was very organized and effectively utilized limited space.

13. Village Infant This multi-purpose area serves as the auditorium, before and after school meeting area and the cafeteria for lunch. This beautiful garden area is part of their playground. The Head Teachers is actively involved in making the grounds beautiful.

14. Grafton Infant Head Teacher: Mrs S Baskill Assistant Head Teacher: Gender: Mixed Age range: 3-7 Number of pupils on roll: 403

15. Grafton Infant Grafton Infant provides numerous opportunities for the students in early years to experience student leadership in a positive way.

16. Grafton Junior Head Teacher: Mr M Nicholson Assistant Head Teacher: Gender: Mixed Age range: 7-11 Number of pupils on roll: 411

17. Grafton Junior Classroom were highly organized to utilize limited space and proudly display student work. The student playground is used as an opportunity for student leadership and safety programs.

18. Rush Green Infant Head Teacher: Ms F Emms Assistant Head Teacher: Ms L Williams Gender: Mixed Age range: 3-7 Number of pupils on roll: 343

19. Rush Green Infant

20. Warren Junior Head Teacher: Mr G Wilder Deputy Head Teacher: Mr M Goodyear Gender: Mixed Age range: 7-11 Number of pupils on roll: 421

21. Warren Junior Students place their book bags and jackets in the hallways to save space. The focus on healthy eating habits and nutrition is demonstrated through the student-led garden.

22. Furze Infant Executive Head Teacher: Mr G Wilder Head Teacher: Mrs J Barrett Gender: Mixed Age range: 3-7 Number of pupils on roll: 446

23. Furze Infant Student diversity and completed class work is proudly displayed. The teachers organize their learning resources in an engaging and visually stimulating manner.

24. Conclusion At the conclusion of my trip I was able to attain seven new partnership schools for Onslow County Schools. The staff and students of each school were welcoming and gracious during our visits. I am looking forward to establishing Action Plans for the new schools and facilitating our new international partnerships with staff and students.