Shetland High School to Host 27th Global Classroom Conference

That the Parliament congratulates Anderson High School in Lerwick, Shetland, on being the host for the 2024 Global Classroom Conference; understands that Global Classroom is an international partnership involving schools in the UK, South Africa, USA, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden, Spain and Australia, with the aim of using its annual conference to enable pupils to experience international cooperation and learn about different cultures and education systems; further understands that this year’s conference, to be held between 16 and 23 June 2024, will be the first in-person conference since 2019, with the conference having been held online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and last held in Shetland in 2015; commends the vision of Anderson High School teacher, Stewart Hay, who spearheaded efforts to establish the Global Classroom in 1989, with the aim of breaking down barriers between young people of different countries; notes that Stewart Hay received an MBE in 2009 for his efforts; further notes that the 46 visiting pupils from overseas will be hosted by local families in Shetland, which, it believes, provides opportunities for deeper cross-cultural understanding; praises the hard work of pupils from the Anderson High School in taking the lead on organising the conference, which, it understands, will include a range of presentation tasks in the school, discussion on international themes and day trips out of school; thanks staff at the Anderson High School for supporting pupils throughout the Global Classroom experience; believes that the Global Classroom Conference is an exciting opportunity for young Shetlanders to make international connections and develop organisational skills, and wishes everyone involved a successful conference.