Global Relationships

Part of our vision at Sumner School is to connect children with the wider world. During Years 5-8 students become increasingly aware of national events, environmental, social and political issues and international events and crises. Through these they evaluate their role as a global citizen. 

Connecting globally has increased rapidly over the past decade. Learning for our children is no longer contained to the four walls of the classroom. Through the internet our students can make connections almost anywhere in the world. At Sumner we want to nurture an appreciation of and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity, and develop in our students a sense of global citizenship.

We have developed a sister-school relationship with Glendal Primary School in Melbourne, Australia. It is a multi-cultural school with 37 different countries being represented. Since 2013 we have been involved in yearly exchanges with Glendal School. During 'even' years we send 10 Years 7 and 8 students to Glendal School in Melbourne for a week. During their stay students are billetted with an exchange student and their family. They take part in Australian school life as well as having the opportunity to take part in a number of additional cultural activities. During 'odd' years we reciprocate this opportunity for 10 Glendal School students, hosting them in Sumner for a week. This special global connection is always a highlight of our school calendar and we always look forward to sharing our world and culture with them. 

Another exciting global connection available to our Year 8 Students is our annual Overseas Learning Experience (OLE) to the Pacific Islands. In recent years we have visited Samoa and Vanuatu with our students. This very special experience is available to all of our Year 8 students. During these OLE's our students have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the Samoan or
Ni-Vanuatu culture. 

The provision of an Overseas Learning Experience supports our students to consider and engage in the role and responsibilities they have as active and informed global citizens, through connecting with peers in other countries, experiencing new cultures and developing new understandings of their place in the world. 

Glendal School Exchange, Melbourne 2018

Vanuatu Overseas Learning Experience

Vanuatu OLE 2018

Glendal Exchange to Melbourne 2018