Global Perspectives is a skills-based class which encourages students to enquire into and reflect on key global issues from different perspectives. Students practice valuable skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, analysis, reflection and evaluation amongst many more.
Students in Ms. Illingworth's classes have been working on 'Globalisation' in Year 9 and 'Language and Communication' in Year 10.

By learning about ideas surrounding a general topic theme, in this case, Globalisation, year 9 students have been able to really open their minds whilst at the same time developing their research, collaboration, communication and evaluation skills. Skills are practiced through project-based learning strategies such as watching a real-life video from a reputable source, reading through the transcript to ensure 100% understanding and having a group discussion, answering questions and providing their own reflection and ideas based on the information provided.

The Year 9 students have really loved learning about this topic and have a wealth of ideas and questions. They are beginning to really work well together, on a much more analytical and critical level than previously. Through GP class, students are able to broaden their horizons and see the world from other people's standpoint.

Students were given a choice of three topics they could learn next, after a class-wide vote, the majority chose 'Language and Communication' which was secretly Ms. Illingworth's favourite choice too. This topic enables students to grasp a deeper understanding of culture and language and the nuances connected with communication.
First, students learned about culture, how it is inherently linked to and influences the way in which we communicate with people. Students carried out individual research projects into the symbolic culture of their own choosing. They presented their findings to the class in order to teach their classmates. Peer teaching is an excellent method which gives the students control and a sense of autonomy. The guidelines given to them were clear but open, which led to the students producing some really top-notch work. During the presentations, the students completed a form which evaluated their classmate's performance, including the criteria the PPT should be based on, as well as public speaking skills and whether they learned something new.

Later, the students moved on to learn about connotations, understanding that the words we use are a choice and different words have different hidden meanings or understandings which can influence or affect the people to whom you are addressing. The students have really taken to this topic and have some amazingly insightful questions and ideas. They are beginning to understand that other people may have a different experience than they do, which influences the way they see the world and the way in which they communicate.

• Ms. Illingworth was so impressed with Year 10's PowerPoint Presentations on Symbolic Culture that she created this display which is hanging on the wall in Byron classroom.

• Year 9 students collaborating on their claims about Globalisation analysis poster. One student is researching information whilst the other diligently completes the colour-coded table.

• Year 10 students came up with some excellent ideas when brainstorming different forms of culture.