Roseberry Primary in Billingham has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award for working to bring the world into the classroom.
Roseberry attended the International School Award ceremony held in the Houses of Parliament and received the award from local MP Alex Cunningham.
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.
Roseberry Primary’s international work includes campaigning for global issues, taking part in Fair Trade, a pen pal programme with Ecole St. Joseph in France, as well as sponsoring a child in India.
On hearing the news that Roseberry Primary had received the award, French teacher, Sally Atkinson said: “We are delighted to have our work recognised, it’s fantastic that the children benefit from a range of experiences beyond their usual day to day lives.”
Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “Roseberry Primary has brought the world into its classrooms, earning them the British Council International School Award. Their pupils’ education is enriched with international activities that help children develop the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world.”
“We have instilled an international culture into the school for many years and it’s wonderful to be recognised by the British Council for our efforts,” added Mrs Fearnley, Headteacher.
The award is sought after worldwide by schools from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Pakistan. Around 5,500 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the British Council 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
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Notes to editors
Roseberry Primary School was formed in September 2007 from the joining of the Infant and Junior Schools. It is situated on the original Roseberry Estate in Billingham and has been a major part of the local community for over 50 years.
