British Council International Award for all city schools
A colourful collection of international dance, art, music and literature is being brought together at the Guildhall by schools across the city to celebrate a national first for Plymouth.
The British Council International School Award event will be the first of its kind in the country in recognition of Plymouth being the only local authority in UK to have all its schools achieve a level of the Award, designed to make educational links with other countries and help broaden the horizons of children and young people.
The celebration event will be split into two sessions – the morning will be dedicated to sharing the international programmes and opportunities available to schools and the afternoon will celebrate the diverse learning experienced by the children involved.
The British Council International School Award initiative is offered and funded by the British Council. It is coordinated locally by Plymouth City Council. Other sponsors of international programmes and activities include HSBC, Department for International Development, and the EU Lifelong Learning Programme.
To qualify for an award schools have to demonstrate an international ethos and give evidence to support their application including identifying seven curricular activities involving around 75 per cent of pupils across the school, form a partnership with one or more schools in other countries and submit an evaluation illustrating the work being carried out.
Nine schools will take part in the event including Montpelier Primary (steel band), High View Primary (Bollywood dancers), Holy Cross Primary (Links with The Haka and Links with Gambia), Courtlands Special School (international poem), College Road and Stuart Road Primaries (sustainable links with China), Laira Green (Namaste – partnership with Nepal), Plymouth High School for Girls (Akwaaba – link with Ghana) and Ernesettle Primary School (African drums/singing).
Also speaking on the day will be Elspeth Wiltshire, International Coordinator from Devonport High School for Girls, who recently received the national title of International Coordinator of the Year.
City leaders and national guests confirmed include: Eda Colbert, John Rolfe, and Jana Kuncova of the British Council, Nathan Kemp – The Teaching Awards 2012 Teacher of the Year, Tom Winskill - HMI, Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People; the Lord Mayor Councillor Mike Wright and companion Councillor Pauline Murphy and Assistant Director for Education, Learning and Family Support, Judith Harwood, as well as many of the city’s head teachers and teachers.
Further details about the Award scheme can be found at www.britishcouncil.org/schoolsonline
Diary note
Date: Thursday 7 March
Venue: Plymouth Guildhall
Time: 12 midday for photos and interview opportunities. Ernesettle Primary will be playing the African drums, plus lots of interview opportunities with children and VIPs
Event: British Council International School Award celebration
