Bridging Cultures: Our Partnership with a School Near Berlin

At Pilton Bluecoat Academy, we believe in the power of international collaboration to enrich learning, foster global citizenship, and build lasting friendships. One of our most exciting global links is with a partner school - Evangelische Grundschule near Berlin, Germany, part of the well-respected Hoffbauer Foundation.

Working under the guidance of the UK-German Connection — a trusted organisation that promotes partnerships and provides funding — we launched a series of joint projects focused on cultural understanding, curriculum enrichment, and pupil collaboration. These projects aim to promote unity, empathy, and shared learning experiences across our schools.

In October 2024, the partnership reached an exciting milestone: 16 of our pupils and 3 staff members visited the partner school in Germany. The visit centred on academic exploration, cultural engagement, and personal development. Pupils took part in joint classroom projects, connected with their German peers, and experienced life in a different culture — all of which helped deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it. Now, we have aspects of our curriculum linked closely and collaboratively with Evangelishe Grubdschule.

The partnership continues to thrive through regular communication via email, video conferencing, and WhatsApp, allowing for ongoing staff collaboration, curriculum planning, and pupil interaction. Children from both schools engage with one another through a shared online platform, strengthening relationships and making international learning a sustained, everyday experience.

Plans are already in place to welcome the German school to North Devon in 2026, where we will build on the work already achieved and offer a reciprocal experience that will be just as impactful for our visitors.

This partnership exemplifies our school’s commitment to ‘Building Brighter Futures’ through global education. By nurturing these relationships, we empower pupils to develop cultural awareness, respect for diversity, and the confidence to connect with others across the world.