British Council International School Award success for Braunton Academy

Braunton Academy has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools so that young people gain the cultural under- standing and skills they need for life work in today’s world.

Braunton Academy’s international work includes working with partner schools in Europe and further afield in countries such as India, Nigeria, Nepal and the USA. Projects that focus upon the local environment and climate change are important elements in the work carried out.

On hearing the news that Braunton Academy had received the award, Nick Langmead, International School's Coordinator said: “We are delighted to have received this award. It is testament to the hard work of all students, staff and the wider school community in developing our work within our area and the wider world which we are proud to have sustained partnership links with through school partnerships across many countries and continents. This award validates the hugely important work we do in providing our students with a global perspective as they become global citizens of the future.”

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: ‘The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.

The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work in bringing the world into their classrooms. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.

By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’

The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India, and Nigeria. Over 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999. 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 international partner schools

·         Year-round international activity

·         Involvement of the wider community