The aim of this pan-European project, headed by the British Council, is to promote social cohesion, raise educational standards and build lasting networks which focus on the common challenges presented by immigration and cultural diversity to school education in the participating countries.

 

Inclusion and diversity is a very topical subject these days. Pupils in schools are increasingly diverse: they come from different ethnical and social backgrounds and speak different languages. This has become a more and more pressing matter as effects in school performance and the learning environment in schools become more visible. Therefore it is necessary to develop new ideas and strategies to develop diverse and inclusive schools.

 

The project was launched in Lisbon in November 2007 and comprises of 14 countries, joined in 3 clusters.  Wales has to date been represented by the four Cardiff Schools of Cardiff High School, Cathays, Fitzalan and Willows.  4 pupils (one from each of the Welsh schools) then went to Brussels in February 2008. They drew up a European charter outlining the challenges and questions they see in this field for international policy makers and heads of schools to discuss at the Inclusion and Diversity in Education conference in the European Parliament in Brussels on 29 February 2008.

 

Whitchurch is keen to embrace the principles of the Youth Charter and is hoping to be updated by the four Cardiff schools on developments of the INDIE project.

For further information please visit the British Council Website by clicking their logo below: