International award glory

Global classes earn school recognition

A Perthshire school has been reaccredited with the prestigious International School Award.

Muthill Primary received the British Council award in recognition of its work in educating pupils on global issues.

Staff and pupils are delighted the school has retained its full international status, having first achieved it in 2012.

The award recognises Muthill’s “exceptional work in international education”.

The school has been linked with several international schools but has formed particularly strong connections with the Juliet Johnson School in Ghana.

Principal teacher Keri Reid MBE said: “Our main international partnership link is with the Juliet Johnston School in Ghana but we have worked with schools in France, Japan and USA too. Most of our partnership work focuses on sustainability issues, like climate change.

“Working through an international context can broaden and deepen our pupils’ learning experiences. It encourages them to think critically and creatively about real-life issues, at both a local and global level, and to take action.

“I think the whole village will be happy to hear about our good news as the partnership really is a community one.”

The school’s partnership with the school in Ghana saw three teachers from the Tafo school visit Muthill in March 2020 - just before the start of lockdown.

Mrs Reid told the PA: “They came here just before the pandemic and made it home just in the nick of time.”

The partnership between the two schools has lasted around 15 to 20 years with the schools exchanging teaching and learning ideas.

In 2019 they collaborated to record a song and video called The Global Goals Song. Muthill PS pupils wrote the words, whilst pupils in Ghana created a dance. The video has been watched several thousand times.

And the video addresses issues world leaders will be sure to consider when they meet in Glasgow for the COP26 summit. Pupils have been learning about the forthcoming international conference with interest.

Mrs Reid said: “They have been learning about COP26 in class. We are going to be focusing on climate justice later this term.”

Chief executive of the British Council Scott McDonald commended Muthill on its achievement.

He 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.

“The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.”