Devon Academies forge educational partnership with Ukrainian schools amid conflict

In a powerful demonstration of international solidarity, four academies from Devon, under the Education South West banner, have joined forces with Ukrainian schools to bolster critical education reforms amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, Kingsbridge Community College, and King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) are leading this initiative, coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to advance upper secondary education reform.

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, recently visited Ukraine to speak at an education conference in Lviv. The conference, inaugurated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, drew 2,500 teachers from across the war-stricken nation. Shanks' visit was part of the OECD's continuous efforts to support Ukraine's education reforms, which aim to shift the focus of upper secondary education towards competency development and increased student choice. Currently, Ukrainian students must study between 11 and 14 subjects throughout their upper secondary education.

Starting this September, approximately 30 'ambassador' schools in Ukraine will pilot elements of the reform targeted at students aged 14-18, setting the stage for nationwide implementation by 2027.

The OECD is fostering partnerships between these Ukrainian schools and international counterparts from countries such as Croatia, England, Estonia, France, Ireland, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden. The four Devon academies are the first in England to join this partnership, which aims to share practical experiences regarding student subject options and career guidance, providing direct insights, practical tools, and support.

Suzannah Wharf, Headteacher at Teign School in Kingsteignton, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “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 from KEVICC in 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.”

Matthew Shanks highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Ukraine's education system amidst the conflict with Russia. He remarked: “Ukraine’s education system has faced extraordinary challenges amid the ongoing conflict. 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.”

This collaboration not only aims to strengthen educational frameworks in Ukraine but also enriches the participating Devon academies by fostering a global perspective among their students and staff.