2021 BRIDGE Application Information Webinar

To support Australian schools with the BRIDGE School Partnership application process, the Asia Education Foundation hosted an information webinar.

Led by members of the International Education Partnership team, Ms Jessica Stevens, Coordinator, and Ms Nicole Bratchford, Project Officer, the pair led a discussion covering program components, funding, eligibility, delivery, and considerations in regard to COVID-19.

This is a recording of the live webinar conducted on 8 February at 4.00 PM (AEST).

The top five FAQ's asked are listed below.

FAQ1: Will the program go ahead with COVID-19?
AEF’s current and evolving programs and platforms are responsive, flexible, and highly effective education initiatives informed by evidence, built on collaboration, and focused on capacity building of educators and students around Australia and across the region. AEF continues to adhere to Australian Government policies and advice regarding COVID-19 and will ensure delivery of all BRIDGE Programs are conducted in a safe and secure manner. In 2021, BRIDGE will be delivered virtually and in-person (domestically where possible), with international travel components for 2021 pivoted to virtual (AusIndia BRIDGE) or postponed until mid-2022 (AusIndo and AusPacific BRIDGE).

FAQ2: Is this just for language teachers?
BRIDGE strongly encourages educators from across all disciplines to apply for BRIDGE Program. BRIDGE Partnerships are not language-based, and while that is an added benefit where possible the program enables collaboration and exchange across all learning areas. Including Art, STEM, History, Leadership, etc.

FAQ3: How will a partnership work with only virtual connections in the first six-monts?
Ensuring safe and risk-averse delivery, BRIDGE will incorporate an array of virtual workshops, training, and experiences for educators. Depending on the BRIDGE Program of your choice, these sessions will be fortnight 90min sessions for 4-5weeks or an intensive virtual program across 4 days. BRIDGE has extensive experience operating across a range of virtual platforms to deliver high-quality programs and will support educators and partnerships with physical and digital resources and activities. This will include Virtual Reality, Virtual Tours, ICT platforms for communication and creative collaboration, and cultural activities.

FAQ4: Can two schools apply together ie create a partnership?
Yes – Where there is a shared member of staff or network of schools wishing to establish a partnership, BRIDGE warmly welcomes an application. The application can be completed jointly with representatives from either being involved in the process. Considerations must be made as to how the partnership will be managed (who the key contact will be across both schools).

FAQ5: What is the average time commitment in a school year? How long do partnerships normally last?
BRIDGE is designed to be embedded within your teaching and learning processes with limited addition to your existing workload. Outside of the Professional Learning Program, it is estimated that the partnership could take 1-2hrs per month. However, this amount changes given the frequency of partnership activities, communication, and nature of collaboration.

An average BRIDGE Partnerships lasts for 3 years, this lifespan is due to teacher movement within a partnership. However, BRIDGE celebrates that many Partnerships remain from the inaugural cohort in 2009.

To submit an application, please visit www.asiaeducation.edu.au/BRIDGE

If you have a question about the program or application process, please email [email protected] au or call +61 03 8344 2617.

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