A Carlton school has been awarded a prestigious prize for its work in bringing the world into the classroom.
CARLTON le Willows Academy has picked up British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its outstanding work in international education.
The award comes following involvement in a series of international projects including twinning with the St Francis Xavier school in Goa and taking students on a cultural and sporting trip to China – thought to be the first trip of its kind for the region.
The Academy has also spent the last 18 months as an expert centre leading 16 partner schools, both primary and secondary from across Nottinghamshire, in helping them deliver the Global Learning Programme.
Senior teacher Trudi Purnell, who has been leading the Global Learning programme at Carlton le Willows, said: “The whole process aims to give our students a better understanding of the wider world so they gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.
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“We are delighted to have been re-accredited with the award – which is an even greater achievement than initial accreditation – and intend to continue our work strengthening our ties both at home and abroad.”
Among the many initiatives and projects aimed at increasing cultural awareness and understanding, Carlton le Willows has played host to students from Spain, Sweden and Denmark as part of an exchange programme and also provided a course of Mandarin lessons conducted by a teacher from the Confucius Institute based at Nottingham University.
Students at Carlton le Willows also have a number of other international opportunities such as visits to Iceland (Geography), Poland and Germany (History and English), France and Belgium (work linked with WW1 commemoration), Spain (football and art) and Italy (skiing).
Pupils from the Academy’s feeder primary schools were also invited to attend a Diversity Day during which they got a flavour of the wider world through a number of activities such as Indian cookery, dancing, African drumming, story-telling and Paralympic sports.
John Rolfe, from the British Council, said: “The Academy’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award. 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.”
