Kidwelly school wins prestigious global award

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

The award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education.

Fostering an international aspect 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.

Ysgol Gwenllian’s international work includes the ‘Stepping out to Lesotho’ challenge as part of the Walk the Global Walk project, horticultural activities with its other partner school in Lesotho, South Africa, along with a rugby session to introduce the sport to the children in Lesotho, and also working with a partner school in Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer in Brittany, north-west

France.

Pictured right are the school’s headteacher Adam Barnett, pupils Iola Preston-Jones and Tom Northcote, along with Nicole Harries, the school’s leader on eco and international links.

Mr Barnett said: ‘We are extremely proud to have been given this award following the hard work of our pupils and staff.

“Mrs Nicole Harries has worked diligently to lead this project, creating links, opportunities and positive outcomes for all our pupils.

“We always strive for excellence in all aspects of school life and to be recognised by the British Council for the International School Award is a real honour.”

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 bringing the world into their classrooms.

“This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic.”

It is a worldwide award, with schools in countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria and Pakistan also being recognised.