Devon schools forge partnership with Ukraine schools to support education reform
In a display of international solidarity, four academies from Devon, part of Education South West, have partnered with Ukrainian schools to support crucial education reforms amidst ongoing conflict. Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, Kingsbridge Community College, and King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) are at the forefront of this OECD initiative, working closely with Ukrainian schools to advance upper secondary education reform.
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, recently visited Ukraine to address an education conference opened by First Lady Olena Zelenska that was attended by 2500 teachers from across the war-torn country. His visit to Lviv was part of the OECD's ongoing support for Ukraine's upper secondary education reforms to shift teaching and learning towards competency development and greater student choice. Currently, Ukrainian students are typically required to take 11 to 14 subjects throughout upper secondary education.
Around 30 ‘ambassador’ schools in Ukraine are set to pilot elements of the reform, aimed at 14-18 year olds, starting this September, in preparation for national implementation in 2027.
The OECD is facilitating partnerships between these Ukrainian schools and international schools from countries including Croatia, England, Estonia, France, Ireland, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden. The four schools in Devon participating are the first in England to join the partnership, which aims to share practical experiences of student subject options and career guidance, offering direct insights, practical tools, and support.
Suzannah Wharf, Headteacher at Teign School, Kingsteignton, said: “We’re excited to share our practical tools and strategies for managing student choice and delivering a balanced curriculum. Our partnership also provides Ukrainian Ambassador schools with opportunities to engage with a diverse range of our school community, including our four Ukrainian students.”
A representative at KEVICC, Totnes, added: “At KEVICC, we believe in collaborative efforts to support education. We are eager to build on these international links, enriching our local community by connecting with diverse cultures and experiences.”
Mr Shanks commented: “Ukraine’s education system has faced extraordinary challenges amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This dire situation has tested the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian students, teachers, and administrators, revealing their remarkable capacity for innovation and perseverance.
“Our trust’s collaborative efforts are not only supporting Ukraine’s education system through challenging times but also highlighting the importance of international cooperation in driving educational progress.
“Through this partnership, students and educators across both regions gain valuable experiences and contribute to a more interconnected and supportive global education community. We invite other schools to join us in supporting the partnership.”
