Thanks to Diana for this great news from Carisbrooke College. Ed
Carisbrooke College has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.
Badge of honour
The International School Award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.
Carisbrooke College’s international work includes links with Bangladesh studying relevant global themes, like ‘sustainable living’, or ‘fairness and equality’ and introducing the opportunity for some students to and learn Bengali
Hard work of all staff and students recognised
On hearing the news that Carisbrooke had received the award, Head Teacher, Pete Shaw said:
“We are delighted to have received this accolade in recognition of the hard work of all staff and students who help prepare our young people to go into the wider world as responsible citizens.
“We are now continuing our links with Bangladesh as well as broadening our links around the globe with each of our Houses creating ties with Cyprus, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and China and our Year 7 students are now learning Mandarin – it is an exciting time preparing the students for living in the 21st century.”
Truly global citizens
British Council Chief Executive, Sir Ciarán Devane, said:
“The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award. The International School Award is a great chance for schools to demonstrate the important work they’re doing to bring the world into their classrooms.
“Adding an international dimension to children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful future careers in an increasingly global economy.”
The award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon and Pakistan as part of the Connecting Classrooms programme, which is delivered by the British Council and supported by the Department for International Development (DFID).
The potential to change things for the better
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:
“Young people must be at the heart of our work to create a safer and more prosperous world for everyone and we need to ensure their voices are heard if we are to win the fight against global poverty. That is why I am delighted to celebrate the international work of Carisbrooke College and the energy and passion of the young people involved.
“The International School Award is a great way of highlighting how young people have the potential to change things for the better. I’m sure that schools getting involved will be broadening the horizons of their students, which will not only help their careers but benefit their wider lives in the future.”
Running for 16 years
Around 5,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.
The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:
- An international ethos embedded throughout the school
- A majority of pupils within the school impacted by and involved in international work
- Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools
- Curriculum-based work across a range of subjects
- Year-round international activity
- Involvement of the wider community
Image: Orangeacid under CC BY 2.0
