iNET and the Regional Training Unit (RTU) in Northern Ireland held a joint two-day conference at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Limavady on the north coast of Northern Ireland on 20/21 March.

In his presentation, Mike Vening, Executive Headteacher of the Stockton Federation of Special Schools outlined Abbey Hill School’s commitment to developing an international dimension across the curriculum. He described how musicians, actors, artists, storytellers and dancers from other countries are invited into the school to enrich the curriculum. Visits from students and teachers from partner schools in Sweden, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Germany, Denmark and Norway are also a regular feature and provide opportunities to share good practice. 

Professor David Hopkins, HSBC International Chair of iNET delivered sessions focussing on the Global perspective to system leadership and implications for school improvement at the school level.

While the conference took place, a small group of teachers following the Developing leaders programme in the North East of England visited a Specialist ICT College in Belfast in order to research their international partnership project. Colm Doyle, North East Regional Coordinator, and Mike Vening also took the opportunity to visit a school bidding for specialist status in the next round of applications. 'This is a great example of ways in which the strengths offered by each organisation encourages international networking and sharing of good and next practice,' said Mr Vening.

Colm Doyle March 2007