Dunclug Primary School in Ballymena has been awarded Intermediate level of 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 and work in today’s world.
Dunclug Primary School’s international work includes their partnership with Kindfund Primary School, Kenya.
This includes shared learning opportunities for pupils of both schools and a teacher exchange programme. Dunclug Primary School also promotes the teaching of Primary Modern Languages, including celebrating European Languages Day and the delivery of French and Spanish lessons for their pupils.
On hearing the news that Dunclug Primary School achieved Intermediate level of the award, School Principal Mr Alastair Beacom said:
“We are delighted to have received this award in recognition of our teachers’ commitment to developing exciting teaching and learning opportunities for our pupils.
“Special thanks must go to Mrs Spence and Miss Thompson for their work in developing our international partnerships and promoting the teaching of Primary Modern Languages.”
John Rolfe MBE, Schools Outreach Manager at the British Council, said:
“Dunclug Primary School’s international work has earned the school well-deserved recognition with the British Council International School Award - Intermediate Certificate.
“We are proud and delighted to work with this great school. Many thanks to everyone for all their commitment to developing international work and sharing excellent classroom practice and resources.
“This is enriching education for its pupils; and their excellent collaborative projects with partner schools overseas are bringing the world into their classrooms.
“International work is key support for the development of skills young people need to be the globally aware citizens of the future.”
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