Bearsden Academy has been awarded Foundation 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.
Bearsden Academy’s international work includes various partnerships and residential trips abroad as well as events which celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures within the school.
Councillor Lynda Williamson, Convener of East Dunbartonshire’s Education Committee, said "Congratulations to the whole school community of Bearsden Academy on achieving this award.
A lot of hard work has gone into building up the international ethos within the school that has been recognised by the British Council. Broadening the experiences of pupils to ready them for life after school is so important and this is a great example of how to do that.”
We are thrilled to have been awarded the British Council International School Award – Foundation Certificate.
She continued, "This reflects our commitment to embedding internationalism in our curriculum and preparing our pupils for a global future. We are very proud of our pupils and staff for their dedication and enthusiasm in achieving this recognition. We look forward to building on this success and strengthening our international connections in the years ahead.”
Shannon West, Head of UK Schools for the British Council, said "Bearsden Academy’s international work has earned the school well-deserved recognition with the British Council International School Award - Foundation Certificate.
"We are delighted and proud that Bearsden Academy is committed to developing a whole school approach to embedding and celebrating international work. The dedication from everyone is enriching education and supporting globally aware young people and the development of key skills.
"We thank all involved in this important work; embedding an international ethos across a school can lead to International School Award accreditation, which is the highest level of the award. Schools looking to join this supportive and engaging global network should contact us at the British Council.”
The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India and Nigeria. Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.
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.
