Five ways to integrate global citizenship throughout your curriculum

Today’s students are global citizens. They’re more connected to other countries than any previous generation, thanks to technology, travel, and shared languages.

Global citizenship education gives students the tools and resources they need to thrive when connecting with those from other cultures. The challenge is integrating it into a curriculum. While your school might value global citizenship, you may feel it’s an extracurricular activity that’s competing with core academic subjects for attention.

The British Council has a long-standing commitment to international cooperation and intercultural understanding through our deep partnerships in over 100 countries worldwide. As an organisation, we understand the importance of working together to build connections, understanding, and trust internationally.

Our work with international schools has also given us a unique insight into how to implement global citizenship education successfully. In this article, we’ll show you how educators can integrate global citizenship into their curriculum so it’s embedded into everyday teaching, learning, and processes.

Why global citizenship benefits your students and school

Global citizenship not only helps your students in their learning and social development but also has advantages for your school. Here are some of the most important benefits:

• Improved critical thinking skills: Exposure to different perspectives encourages students to challenge their assumptions and consider alternative solutions to challenges.

• Further social and emotional development: Learning about the experiences of others helps students develop empathy and a willingness to understand.

• Higher engagement: Global citizenship makes students feel more connected and motivated to act in the best interests of others rather than taking a passive role in international affairs.

• Global opportunities: Students get preparation for higher education and careers abroad while schools benefit from global networks, deeper international support, and higher-profile alumni.

• Stronger whole-school ethos: Embedding global citizenship into your curriculum can reinforce your values and mission as an open-minded, inclusive school community.

Five practical ways to integrate global citizenship into your school culture

Global citizenship doesn’t require a new curriculum. It works best when it’s embedded into your current policies and practices, and opens up space for global themes within existing lessons. Here are some strategies your school can try:

1. Define global citizenship with your students

Discussing what global citizenship means with your students can help them see its importance. You can use frameworks from Oxfam and UNESCO to inform classroom discussions. However, creating your own definition can give students a stronger sense of ownership over any new global citizenship initiatives you introduce.

2. Explore ways to integrate global citizenship into subjects

Rather than adding new content to your curriculum, shifting your focus can show your class topics in a new light without creating extra work for your team. Let’s look at some quick examples on how to do this across core academic subjects:

• Literature: Read novels, plays, poems, and songs from a range of countries throughout history and try writing in their style.
• Science: Use examples and case studies from around the world to illustrate theories, for example, water cycles from various geographical regions.
• Arts: Explore movements and techniques from different cultures.
• Maths: For early years, frame maths problems in international situations. As students progress, explore international theories and use global data sets.
• Physical education: Try out popular sports and activities from other countries.

3. Take part in SDG action weeks

Various organisations have weeks centred around UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as gender equality, climate action, and accessible education. For example, Global Goals Week is a shared venture between 170 institutions worldwide that arranges activities in September that contribute towards these goals. In 2025, they have already arranged a series of talks and meetings centred around climate change, and your school could take this opportunity to inspire your own discussions. 

4. Support student-led campaigns and clubs

Giving students a voice can make global citizenship initiatives more impactful. They’re more likely to come up with meaningful ideas for their age group and drive change among their classmates.

Of course, students are likely to need guidance. You can read our article on how to ensure students are safe and supported throughout community initiatives to get some tips.

5. Join international school programmes

Many schools partner up to collaborate on projects and facilitate connections between students. Some common examples include:

• Pen pal projects
• Exchange programmes
• Shared online classes
• Joint projects

Programmes don’t need to be limited to students. Educators from different schools can use partnerships as an opportunity to share resources and knowledge and offer one another support.

For more insights into how to encourage an enriched curriculum in your school, you can read our blog article Five ways to enrich your school's curriculum.

Resources and professional development for teachers

Beyond sharing these tips, the British Council can provide Partner Schools with valuable resources to help you begin integrating global citizenship education into your curriculum.

• Partner Schools Connect: A hub where you can meet and collaborate with other Partner Schools on projects.
• Your World Video Competition: A contest where students relate SDGs back to their local communities and create a story about their experiences through video.
• Online Support for Schools platform: A space where you can access resources and find training courses to support your staff with global citizenship initiatives.
• Global citizenship in the English language classroom: An in-depth booklet full of theoretical frameworks and practical findings you can apply to your school.

Final thoughts on turning local students into global citizens

Global citizenship goes beyond individual lessons or special projects. When it becomes part of how subjects are taught and how the school community works, students have more chances to reflect, connect ideas, and engage with real-world issues.

Schools don’t need to do everything at once. A single lesson, activity or exchange can be a valuable starting point. What matters most is staying consistent and keeping global learning meaningful for your students and your school.

The British Council supports Partner Schools by facilitating classroom projects and extracurricular activities designed to develop global citizenship and core skills. Learn more about our Partner Schools programme here.