Pupils reach across world to take award
APRIMARY school has been given an award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.
Prestbury Church of England Primary School has been awarded the British Council’s International School Award, which celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.
Prestbury’s work with its partner school Maxonia Primer in South Africa has included many projects such as a joint recipe book, allotment project, skype worships and learning songs from each other’s schools.
David Capener, headteacher said: “All the staff from both schools value the partnership and the children benefit greatly from the projects that they carry out together.
“We were really pleased, therefore, to gain the recognition for everyone’s hard work.
“I am pleased that not only do we have academic excellence at Prestbury, but we also value just as much the contribution our children can make both locally and globally.
“Learning together with our friends in Maxonia is a vital part of our school community and life.”
Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, said: “The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award.
“The International School Award is a great chance for schools 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 is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and Pakistan.
Around 5,500 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999. For more information about the International School Award, contact schools@british council.org.