How are leaders integrating the ideology of globalisation in primary school contexts?

Abstract

This study carried out research focusing on diverse learners, such as pupils who have English as additional language (EAL) in primary schools in the Midlands, England. Essentially, we wanted to know how they are supported to become global learners. Therefore, questions were posed to school leaders on their understanding of the concept of globalisation; how globalisation is developed, supported, monitored and evaluated. Research on the concept of globalisation is contentious, with as many definitions as there are cultural contexts. But the central message is that the movement of a global economy brings with it the potential to make knowledge and information accessible to all. We interviewed senior leaders in primary schools over a period of 3 months and our sampling isopportunistic rather than truly random. The findings suggest the need for strong leadership for embedding globalisation in the curriculum, an enabling team structure, and partnership development locally and globally.

Keywords:

• globalisation
• EAL
• leadership

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the staff in the selected schools for their comments and thoughts. They would also like to thank BELMAS and the University of Bedfordshire for their financial support.