Case Study - Bulwell St. Mary's School

Bullwell St Mary's School & Madleen Bulang (Germany) 

Placement History

Bulwell St Mary's first ISPO student, German student Madleen Bulang, started in October 2008 as the International Coordinator. Her placement can be divided into two distinct sectors - administrative and business related tasks and actual educational tasks.

The Business Element

Madleen has been instrumental in organising a conference to be attended by staff from other schools, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), colleges and businesses selling products relating to the educational sector. This included the promotion of the event to potentially interested parties, the creation of delegate packs and welcoming people upon arrival.

She has also worked on promoting a week long food conference, which included writing a press release and doing research into potential stall holders for the event.

Furthermore she is responsible for forging and maintaining international links for the school, a position for which Madleen has received certification.

The Educational Element

One of the activities Madleen has been involved in with the children is the "German Club". Once a week they come together to get a taste of the German culture. For example they will sing German songs and eat some typically German food. The children have even learned some of the German language in the process.

Then there are the "Booster Classes" three mornings per week, six pupils of around 11 years old come together and are offered support with maths, English and preparing for their exams. This service is also available two afternoons a week for infant pupils.

Furthermore Madleen also teaches German linguistics to small groups of children, during short periods of time.

Conclusion 

Madleen feels she has gained a lot of experience while working with a wide range of people of all ages and with a variety of professional people, not only those working in the educational and health sectors, also business people. For her this was a cultural experience in both professional and social aspects of life.

Bulwell St Mary's has enjoyed an extra dimension to school life, the student has added a fresh view and an objective eye which has greatly benefited the school and its pupils. Many new possibilities have arisen as a result of the placement, for example the "German Club" and the ability to organise conferences and events.

"Madleen has been able to operate in both business and educational roles, demonstrating flexibility and gaining diverse experience. We have been able to offer our pupils a taste of a new language and culture. So for us, the flexibility of the scheme has allowed space for the unknown!"
Bulwell St Mary's headmaster Mr Ball

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