A RURAL upper dale primary school has been recognised for its work to bring the world into the classroom.
Forest of Teesdale Primary School has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award which celebrates the achievements of schools which do
exceptional work in international education.
Pupils at the school have taken part in activities aimed at improving their cultural knowledge.
Last year the children designed their own project called Read, Write, Learn on a platform called e-Twinning, which provides a safe environment for European schools to collaborate.
The pupils wrote letters to schools around Europe and developed an understanding of cultural similarities and differences.
They also spoke, via Skype, to schools in Italy, Ukraine, Egypt and France.
Last Christmas the children were part of a singing advent calendar, which saw schools from 24 countries upload videos of themselves singing a traditional Christmas song in their own language.
Other activities have included celebrating European Day of Languages and Chinese New Year, weekly French lessons, as well as Spanish music and dance workshops. Class teacher and co-ordinator for the award Claire Tunstall said: “Staff and children have worked hard to achieve this status and the feedback from the British Council assessors was fantastic, something we are incredibly proud of.
“The assessor was particularly impressed by the range of activities and said that if ever there was a competition for very small schools making their mark in ‘the village’ from an isolated mainland position, Forest of Teesdale would surely be a frontrunner.”
Staff at the school have been invited to a ceremony in London in December where they will collect their award.
Sir Ciaran Devane, from the British Council, 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.
“Embedding an international dimension in children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful lives and careers in an increasingly global economy.”
