PUPILS from a Wirral school are showing maturity beyond their years by helping other schools to develop a ‘global learning’ approach to their education.

Woodlands Primary School has become an expert centre for the UK government’s Global Learning Programme (GLP), after being selected following its work with Oxfam, Fairtrade and Rights Respecting Schools.

Staff and pupils from the Birkenhead school will work with 20 local primary schools to learn about issues like fair-trade, access to clean water and recycling as part of the GLP - which teaches students how the challenges facing the world are being tackled through innovative new techniques, better governance and job creation.

Woodlands pupils will also send letters to children at partner schools in Sierra Leone and Japan.

Headteacher Gill Lindfield said: “The global aspect to our curriculum is fundamental to Woodlands. Children are thinking through a range of issues, developing and articulating opinions, even at foundation stage. 

“We are excited about working with our partners in order to support the development of a global curriculum in other schools in our area. We will be able to share ideas, provide training and celebrate the range of good practice in Wirral schools.”

The project will enhance the curriculum by introducing an international perspective and helping place what UK schools are already doing in a global context.

The project will widen students’ horizons by helping them make connections between their own lives and issues that are important in a rapidly changing and increasingly globalised world.

Councillor Tony Smith, cabinet member for children and family services, said: “Woodlands Primary is a great example of a Wirral school taking the lead in developing links across the globe, to provide pupils with an understanding of their role in a changing world.

“With modern communications and movements like fair-trade, the world has never been so small, so it is more important than ever for young people to see themselves as players on that stage.”