Bowland High School in Clitheroe, Lancashirehas been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.
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.
Bowland High’s international work includes ongoing projects with partner schools in Argentina and Nepal, an annual global challenge day for the whole school, a 12 week ‘culture’ scheme of work delivered in year 8 performing arts lessons, and experiential multi faith RE days based on ‘The Big Questions’.
On hearing the news that Bowland High had received the award headteacher, John Tarbox, said: This is an important award for the school and we are very proud to have received it. We believe it is very important for pupils growing up in the 21st century to know about the world around them but also to interact with people with different cultures, traditions and beliefs as far as possible. This is an area of provision that we hope will continue to grow in the coming years.
The International Schools Coordinator, Andrea Yates said: I am thrilled that Bowland High has been successful in this award. We have a lot of exciting educational projects and activities happening through the year and it is great to be recognised for this aspect of our school work.
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).
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 [name of school here] 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.”
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
