Arise and Cronton CE Primary Schools have a strong link and longstanding tradition of joint working. This was cemented in 2020 as part of the British Council’s global education programme, “Connecting Classrooms”, when Cronton was able to send two teachers to Arise. The programme helps children to develop the knowledge and skills needed for life and work as global citizens.

Recently, Arise welcomed Cronton School reaching out to them again in order to develop and support their children’s awareness of the world. Two links were set up using Zoom and videos.

The first link was to help children in the Reception class at each school learn about stories from the others’ culture. Each teacher read a traditional tale to the other class. The Cronton children were enthralled to listen to the Tanzanian tale, “Who Will be the Next Leader?” about a wise leopard king who posed a challenge to the jungle animals. Arise also sent Cronton lots of resources linked to the story enabling the children to learn and develop their knowledge even more. In turn, Arise children were thrilled to experience “a delightful, virtual adventure” – Cronton’s Reception teacher reading them “Little Red Riding Hood” – and then to also receive helpful resources.

This virtual story time session had a meaningful and positive impact on children in both schools. By listening to traditional stories from each others’ countries, the children were introduced to different cultures and ways of life in an engaging and age-appropriate way. It enriched their understanding of global diversity and helped to build early empathy, curiosity and respect for others. Follow-on activities allowed each group to reflect creatively on what they had heard and gave them the opportunity to express their learning through art, discussion and storytelling of their own.

In the words of an Arise staff member…….

“The Zoom meeting was not just about storytelling; it was a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to connect…….. (it) served as a beautiful reminder of the power of stories in bringing people together, fostering friendships, and inspiring creativity.”

Secondly, Year 4 pupils shared knowledge about their local area and related artwork. This activity developed from just a Zoom call to recording a question and answer session. Cronton children were “blown away” by differences in culture and “left in awe” watching a video of Arise pupils, especially as they live so near to Mt. Kilimanjaro and with animals, such as zebras and giraffes, in their local area. In return, Cronton shared videos with Arise.

The session had an amazing impact on children in both schools, inspiring them to want to know more about the others’ country and the everyday lives of those living there and resulted in each group of children creating a presentation on the history of their local area to share with the other. It encouraged them to reflect on their own culture and experiences, comparing them to others in a way they may never have considered before, and to consider how things such as geographical location, resources, history and culture come together to pave the lives of other children.

As some of some of the Year 4 Cronton children commented……..

“Tanzania shocked me by how when they leave their house, there are amazing animals everywhere”

“Tanzania surprised me because they look after animals for fun and we just play. They have cooking class after school and they have lots of different food”

“I didn’t expect them to use flash cards instead of iPads like us. We use TTRS for times tables”

from children in Reception class…….
“ it was really exciting seeing the children on the screen”

“I loved hearing the story told by Tanzania”

and in the words of the Assistant Headteacher at Cronton School:

“We really enjoy our connection with the Arise school and can’t wait for the next activity as it brings so much learning and enjoyment to the children.”

Overall, in spite of the physical distance, the activity clearly built on the foundation already laid between the two school communities, firmly fostering the connection between them for global awareness and friendship at an early stage in their children’s education.

Our sincere thanks go to Cronton School pupils, their families and staff for all their ongoing support and interest in Arise and ACE since the charity was first set up and, especially, to Sylvia Thomson, Headteacher, and Julie Robert’s, Assistant Head, for their support to make the connection and partnership between the two schools possible. Thank you, too, Julie for your contribution to this blog. “Asante Sana”