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Background

The Department for International Development (DFID) has funded the publication of 'Global Eye' since its inception in 1996, and has decided, following a review of its strategy for development education, to move away from direct support for material production to advising and assisting teachers on the introduction of a global dimension into their teaching. As a result, DFID funding for the magazine ceased in Summer 2002.

The product

Worldaware developed the concept of 'Global Eye' in consultation with DFID as a response to a growing need for better resources for those engaged in teaching young people about global issues. The need for this type of resource has increased substantially, both because of world events and as the curriculum has expanded to include more of a global dimension. Focusing on these curriculum needs, the publication has been designed mainly for geography teachers and students, although recent curriculum developments (notably the inclusion of citizenship from 2002) have allowed us to broaden the appeal and scope. It has now been in publication for over five years, and has developed into a substantial classroom aid to teachers across all parts of the UK, who value its quality and its independent and impartial approach to all issues covered. It became an established leader in its field, having won the Geographical Association's prestigious Gold Award for learning resources in April 2001.

Global Eye was published each term as a self-standing magazine (20-24 page A4-size full colour, with 4-8 page supplementary teachers' notes) designed for secondary schools at Key Stage 3-4 (11-16 years).

The audience

Global Eye is distributed free to all 6,700 UK secondary schools. Class sets can be requested, and currently over one-third of all schools take up this option, resulting in a total circulation of the print version of over 85,000 copies per issue to young people at an opinion-forming age. The website, which extends also to primary teachers and pupils, currently receives over one million hits in 25,000 visits each month.

The objective

In line with Worldaware's aim of raising awareness and cultivating the widest understanding of the interdependent nature of today's world, the main purpose of 'Global Eye' is to:

• Promote learning about global issues, especially those related to development
• Provide teachers and students with up-to-date material on development issues and developing countries (keeping ahead of standard textbooks and abreast of curriculum changes)
• Foster interest and understanding through careful attention to design, visual stimuli and contemporary practice in learning strategies
• Offer a balance of perspectives to assist enquiry-based learning
• Fully involve a partnership of business/education/civil society in delivering the school curriculum
• Encourage the use of ICT through the associated website.

The production process

It is essential for take-up that quality is guaranteed. Global Eye is meticulously researched, authored and designed by experienced educationalists in order to ensure the publication is relevant, and provides maximum classroom application. In addition, extensive consultation is carried out for each edition with private companies, government, academic researchers, and development NGOs. Practising teachers are also vital, and a panel is involved throughout the process from concept to completion.

The production of the magazine is handled by designers and printers conversant with modern presentational needs. Close attention is given throughout to value for money.

Future directions

Although the format and frequency of Global Eye has become established, this is constantly kept under review, particularly in the light of developments in classroom teaching. While we expect the need for printed materials to continue, there is scope for adapting the model. Any adaptation would take full account of the views and needs of sponsors, with whom a constant dialogue is maintained.

Sponsorship benefits

Support for 'Global Eye' magazine offers sponsors the following:

• Direct access to a large section of young people (estimated 300,000 outreach)
• The opportunity to demonstrate concern for global issues and international development
• The opportunity to demonstrate belief in corporate social responsibility
• The opportunity to be associated with a major, frequently produced and acclaimed educational resource
• A product which can contribute strongly to marketing strategies
• Worldaware believes that a partnership with a group of private sector companies representing a range of interests may best serve to show the collective concern that business has for education in global issues
• The benefit of association with the continuing success of the Global Eye website.