Bridlewood Primary School in Swindon has been awarded the intermediate level of the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.
The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. 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 for life and work in today’s world.
The committee were impressed by Bridlewood’s collaborative activity ‘Reading for Pleasure’ with partnership school May Pen, in Jamaica, and by the breadth of activities and learning in their whole-school cross-curricular International Days.
Bridlewood has embraced a long-term vision to both increase the children’s awareness of global issues and begin to develop an understanding of other countries and cultures.
Vicky Sammon, Headteacher, Bridlewood Primary School said: “To receive this prestigious award is such an honour and the school is delighted to be recognised by the British Council. The pupils and staff have enjoyed being involved in the international projects and activities which help students learn so much about other countries, their cultures, customs and traditions as well as expanding history and geography knowledge.”
Shannon West, Head of UK Schools for the British Council, said: “We are proud and delighted to work with this great school. Many thanks to everyone for all their commitment to developing international work and sharing excellent classroom practice and resources.
“This is enriching education for its pupils, and their excellent collaborative projects with partner schools overseas are bringing the world into their classrooms. International work is key support for developing skills young people need to be globally aware citizens of the future.
“Embedding an international ethos across a school can lead to International School Award Accreditation, the highest award level. Schools looking to join this supportive and engaging global network should contact us at the British Council”.
Over 6000 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 whole school approach to international work
- Collaborative curriculum-based work with international partner schools
- Year-round international activity
- Involvement of the wider community
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