The International School Award is an accreditation scheme for curriculum-based international work in schools run by the British Council and is awarded 'for excellent commitment to the enriching, creative and innovative international dimensions of teaching and learning. This inspirational work is vital preparation for all our young people, helping them to better understand their place in the world and supporting the development of their skills in an increasingly global economy.'
The scheme provides recognition for teachers and their schools working to instil a global dimension into the learning experience of all children and young people.
In order to achieve the full award, we had to first send the British Council an action plan summarising several of our curriculum based international activities. These activities had to take place across one school year, involve the majority of the girls and the majority of curriculum subjects. We also had to demonstrate some collaborative curriculum work with our international partner school in Uganda.
Once our plan was approved, we then submitted a portfolio of evidence which summarised each activity and included evaluations of each activity by parents, students, teachers and visitors.
We submitted a wide range of activities across the Junior and the Senior schools. Here are some examples.
The Science Department developed a joint project with Bishop Kivengere Girls School which enabled pupils in both schools to compare energy and water resources in their local areas. Physics clubs in the two schools exchanged results from their experiments which included launching rockets and designing well insulated coffee cups.
As part of a World Literature Day, sixth form students were involved in a drama workshop run by a Zimbabwean theatre company who performed Hamlet set in an African setting.
During Refugee week visitors from Reading Refugee Support made the girls aware of the difficulties faced in this country. The theme of refugees was explored in many lessons during the week.
In the Junior School: UI girls studied life in Chembakoli, India; LIII girls developed their understanding and knowledge of Europe; Trans learned about habitats and animals in the North Pole and the girls in the Nursery visited Pizza Express and then went on to create an Italian restaurant in their classroom.
We were delighted to hear that the British Council panel thought that the impressive range of The Abbey’s international work was, ‘outstanding’ … 'your support, commitment, creativity and innovative international work is greatly appreciated.'