The University of Strathclyde is partnering with one of Pakistan’s largest private education networks on a five-year programme to support the professional development of teachers and educational leaders.
Academics from the Strathclyde Institute of Education will work with The City School to develop a network of highly skilled teacher trainers who can share professional learning across its schools in Pakistan.
The City School operates 136 schools across 50 cities in the country, with more than 71,000 pupils. The wider City Group also has an international presence through schools in the UAE and five other Asian countries.
Agreement signed
The agreement was recently signed at Strathclyde during a visit by John Proctor, Project Lead for Language and Literacy Development at The City School, with the first programme activity scheduled for later this autumn.
Around 115 teachers, teacher trainers and educational leaders in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi are expected to take part in the first year, with the programme designed to grow in scale and reach over five years.
The partnership has been developed and negotiated by Dr David Roxburgh from Strathclyde, with Drs Jonathan Firth and Tomasz John leading the development of the professional learning programme.
Dr Roxburgh said: “The partnership has grown out of many months of discussion about how we can develop something both ambitious and sustainable.
The City School brings considerable knowledge of education in Pakistan, alongside Strathclyde’s research and professional learning expertise. We have much to contribute and much to learn from one another.
“It’s a great example of how Knowledge Exchange and international engagement can support our wider commitment to transnational education and create opportunities for long-term collaboration.”
Teacher development
Drawing on expertise within both organisations, the programme will address areas including inclusive pedagogy, reflective practice, curriculum innovation and collaborative teacher development, with initial in-country activity followed by continuing online professional learning and collaboration.
Dr Farzana, City Group Chairperson, added: “This collaboration brings together the strengths and experience of The City School and the University of Strathclyde.
"By developing the expertise of our teacher trainers, we aim to build an approach that supports teachers and school leaders over the longer term and, ultimately, enhances the learning experiences of our pupils.”