Hardingstone Academy has secured the prestigious International School Award in recognition of its efforts to teach pupils about global issues and other cultures.
The award is from the British Council and it rewards schools that do outstanding work with children to enhance their understanding of other countries and cultures.
Pupils at Hardingstone Academy took part in a range of global-themed activities, including a Year 6 topic on Mexico and an all-school Chinese New Year celebration.
The children also regularly learn about food and religions from other countries.
Class 1 teacher Sophie Coleman, who led the work towards the International School Award, said: “This has really made an impact on the children’s understanding of other countries.
“Many of them have never been abroad, and so our projects have really helped to open their minds to other cultures and countries.”
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 a number of partner schools
Year-round international activity
Involvement of the wider community
Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “Hardingstone Academy has brought the world into its classrooms, earning them the British Council International School Award. Their pupils’ education is enriched with international activities that help children develop the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world.”
Hardingstone Academy will now begin working towards the intermediate level of the International School Award, which requires them to partner with another school to learn about global issues.
