KINGSMOOR Academy in Harlow 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 understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.

Kingsmoor Academy’s international work includes holding an annual carnival week at school where children dress up and learn about other countries and their cultures. Kingsmoor Academy also coordinates various Erasmus+ projects where they work with schools from across Europe on themes such as climate change and promoting outdoor education.

On hearing the news that Kingsmoor Academy had received the award, Lesley Brennan, Executive Principal said, “I am extremely pleased that Kingsmoor’s journey over the last four years has culminated in obtaining this prestigious award. The governors, trustees, staff, children, community, as well as the international schools throughout Europe that we have worked with, have all benefitted from their hard work in developing our children as global citizens with a global curriculum.”

Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, said: “The academy’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prominent award. The International School Award is a great chance for schools and academies 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.”

The award, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Over 6000 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 a number of partner schools
Year-round international activity
Involvement of the wider community