This term, Britannica International School Budapest has proudly partnered with ELTE University to deliver a series of lectures and workshops titled “Pedagogy and Innovation: From Early Childhood to Lower Primary.”
This enriching course is designed not only to immerse educators in the latest theories and practices of pedagogy but also to highlight the remarkable Hungarian innovations and the adaptation of international trends within the vibrant context of Hungary.
We first began our partnership with ELTE by welcoming student teachers to visit our school, shadow our teachers and observe our teachers in action.
The feedback we received was very positive, with one group of first year students reporting:
We often wondered what a perfect school would look like, but after visiting Britannica, we think we have found it.
Another group said:
Visiting Britannica filled us with hope for the future, and motivation to try to implement some of the methods we have learned about in our own teaching.
Due to the success of our student teacher visits, our relationship with ELTE has developed over time so that our teachers have begun to visit ELTE and provide lectures to articulate their expertise and share this with the student teachers. It has been a positive learning experience for our teachers and student teachers alike!
This exciting collaboration was initiated by Ryan Phillips, Assistant Head of Primary and co-designed with Dr. Árva Valéria, Head of Department, and Dr. Fenyődi Andrea, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at ELTE. Together, they crafted a programme that facilitates the exchange of innovative strategies and effective tools which student teachers can adopt to enhance and advance their pupils’ learning in Hungary and beyond.
Ryan Phillips, opened the programme with a talk about the essential role of reflective practice throughout a teaching career. His workshop, centred on Adapting a Curriculum for an International Classroom, highlighted the importance to embrace change and tailor their curricula to the diverse needs of global learners.
David Milburn, Head of Key Stage One, delivered an enlightening session on Adapting a National Curriculum, whether British or Hungarian, to cultivate international mindsets in our young learners, transforming them into true global citizens. His powerful insights challenged attendees to reconsider traditional approaches to nurturing young minds in today’s interconnected world.
Nicholas Bateman, Head of Primary English, engaged participants by exploring the complexities of differentiation in the classroom. From native language speakers to those just starting their language journey, his session underscored the importance of recognising and addressing the unique needs of all students. His passionate delivery demonstrated not just the range of strategies but also the processes needed to support all learners.
Marie Moreton, Head of Primary explained how this demonstrated the commitment of the teachers at Britannica.
This partnership between ELTE University and Britannica International School stands as a testament to our commitment to offering exceptional educational experiences. Together, we are embarking on a remarkable journey that not only elevates teaching standards but also nurtures the next generation of compassionate global citizens. We are excited to witness the positive impact this collaboration will have on the future of education in Hungary and beyond.
Neil McGarry, Principal of Britannica highlighted the benefits of partnership:
The opportunity to engage in this collaborative venture has been immensely beneficial for our teachers at Britannica International School Budapest. Venturing beyond their familiar context has inspired them to challenge themselves and extend their professional development into a diverse setting and audience. This is not merely an academic exercise; it is a transformative pathway that fosters innovation-driven education.
