Four County Durham schools are being recognised for their efforts in bringing the world into the classroom.
Crook Primary School, St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School in Crook and Woodhouse Community Primary School and St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School and Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland are all receiving a prestigious International School Award today.
They’re being honoured by the British Council at a special online ceremony for their commitment to embedding international work into their curriculum and helping children to gain an understanding of other countries, cultures and languages.
Although many schools were forced to defer their applications because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, each of the four County Durham schools have been praised for their continued, outstanding work.
This has involved a focus on learning different languages, collaborating with schools in countries such as Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and appointing climate change champions to help pupils develop a greater sense of responsibility around global issues.
They are amongst just 64 schools across the country to gain the award this year as part of International Education Week 2020, which starts today (16 November).
Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “Learning another language and having a greater awareness of other countries and cultures can make a huge difference to our young people when they start to consider their career options and future goals.
“It is fantastic that schools in County Durham are helping our children to become global citizens from such a young age and foster great respect for different cultures. These opportunities will help shape them long into the future and I would like to thank our schools for their commitment in this.”
International Education Week, which celebrates international work in school and the value of bringing the world into the classroom, will take place online this year.
For the first time ever, a series of events, webinars and activities can be accessed from anywhere in the world, allowing young people to act on the global issues that matter to them. For more information, schools can visit: www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/international-education-week.
