This webinar discusses partnering schools in Iraq through the British Council's Connecting Classrooms program. It provides an overview of Iraq and its education system, outlines the benefits of partnerships for pupils and teachers, and explains how the British Council can help schools apply for funding and support to partner with schools in Iraq. Attendees are encouraged to register on the British Council Schools Online site to explore potential partnerships and apply for a grant before the January 2014 deadline.

1. Working with schools in Iraq

2. Iraq
How will this webinar work?
 please ensure your microphone/phone is on mute
 the webinar will be recorded
 please refrain from asking any questions during the webinar. There will be a Q&A
section at the end of the webinar.
About the British Council?
The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other
countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We are on the ground in six
continents and over 100 countries bringing international opportunity to life, every day.

3. Iraq
Aims of the webinar
 develop an understanding of Iraq, and its Education system and the challenges they
faces
 benefits of partnering with a schools in Iraq for pupils and teachers
 how the British Council can help your school partner with a schools in Iraq
 how to apply and useful contact details
 Q&A session.

4. Iraq
Facts about Iraq
 many people in Iraq speak English, though Arabic is the most spoken language
 Iraq has many different climates. It is surrounded by Kuwait on the Southeast, Iran on
the East, Turkey on the North, and Jordan on the West
 Hanging Gardens in Iraq was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

5. Iraq
Education system in Iraq
The educational system in Iraq consists of:
 an optional two-year pre-school education
 six years of compulsory basic education
 Three years of secondary academic or vocational education for students aged 15 to 18,
after the Three years students sit for a General Certificate of Secondary Education
Exam- “Baccalaureate”.

6. Iraq
Education system in Iraq
 students are required to take 9 subjects; Arabic, English, Mathematics, Social
Studies, Computer Studies , Geography, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Islamic
studies are also mandatory for all students except for Christian students
 there are 24 General educational directorates of education in Iraq and each directorate
has control over a number departments to control over a number of schools.
Schools and controlling authority
 private schools are controlled by the Private Directorate
 military Schools are controlled by the Directorate of Ministry of Defense
 Public schools are controlled by the Ministry of Education directly.

7. Iraq
Education Challenges
Iraq, despite showing impressive improvement in the education system, still needs to fix
some of the persistent problems in this sector. With the rising growing youth population,
Iraqi government has to ensure that the quality of education and level of skills imparted can
help the new generation to compete effectively in the national and international arena
Iraqi population is 33 millions, more than of the half below the age of 30 years. Almost
1/4 of Iraqis enroll in educational facilities and this causes pressure on the infrastructure
and financial resources within the Ministry of Education.

8. Iraq
What are the benefits for pupils?
 understanding of middle eastern culture, society and education
 helping students understanding their rights and responsibilities as global citizens.
 preparing students for work in a global economy and building a fairer, more
sustainable world
 Iraq is saturated in history and culture; from the moment you arrive, you will get a sense
of its rich heritage. The Sumerians, Akkadian, Ottomans; Christians and Muslims have
all left their terraces at the several thousand archaeological and historical sites. The
Iraq offers a wide variety of Climates and geographical terrain will bring culture and
learning alive in the classroom.

9. Iraq
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 Erbil / Iraq /with the British Council
 a greater understanding of other countries, their cultures and their education
systems
 resources to help you explore social, environmental, and cultural themes
 Access to online British Council run professional development courses.

10. Iraq
How can the British Council help you partner with
schools in Iraq?
We can support you in:
 finding a partner – or school ‘cluster’ partner - and helping you apply
 funding your partnership
 managing your visit safely – e.g. help with local travel and accommodation.
 Advice and support every step of the way

11. Iraq
School Partnerships
 Partnership Structure – two way; 1-1 or 3-3 schools
 Grant funding - £1500 per school
 Reciprocal Visits
 Key objectives
 Global Citizenship
 Enriching Education
 Building Equitable and Sustainable Partnerships
 Online Application
 Resources available: Webinar, Step by step guidance, Screencast
 If any questions, please email Schools@britishcouncil.org

12. Iraq
Next steps
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register on the British Council Schools Online site http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/
British Council will suggest potential school partners in Iraq and connect you
develop a joint application for a Connecting Classrooms partnership grant
deadlines each term so apply when you and your partner school are ready
For more info, please email schools@britishcouncil.org

13. Iraq
Contact us
schools@britishcouncil.org
www.britishcouncil.org/schoolsonline
www.britishcouncil.org/isa
http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/linking-programmes-worldwide/connectingclassrooms/spotlight/Iraq

14. Iraq
Question and Answer session
Apply before 31 January 2014