Connecting Classrooms allows students in the UK and Pakistan to gain awareness of different communities. Pakistan is a South Asian country with over 190 million people and diverse cultures and ethnic groups. Its education system includes primary, middle, secondary, and higher secondary school, but faces challenges like low funding and literacy. Partnering schools provides benefits like understanding other cultures and preparing students for a global economy. The British Council helps facilitate partnerships through programs like Connecting Classrooms.

1. “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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Contact us
schools@britishcouncil.org
www.britishcouncil.org/schoolsonline
www.britishcouncil.org/isa
www.britishcouncil.org/connectingclassrooms