Harthill school is top of the class

The school has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the wider world into the classroom.

The award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas, so young people gain the understanding and skills to be ‘global citizens’.

The school’s international work includes linking with schools from other countries and sharing work with them. This year the younger children learnt about China, linking it to the Olympics past and present, while the older children had links with a school in Morocco as well as sharing Christmas and Easter cards.

Jan Skepper, the school’s international coordinator said: “We are delighted that our international work has been recognised.”

“The children have learnt a lot about the culture and traditions of nations globally. They were thrilled to be able to share work with the schools that they have been linked with.”

John Rolfe from the British Council congratulated the school on obtaining the award.

He said: “The school’s fantastic international work is not only giving the young people a better understanding of the world around them, but it’s really making a difference to their future prospects too.”

“Employers are telling us that international skills are just as important as exam results – so everything the school is doing is vital preparation for life in a global society and work in a global economy.”

“2012 is a big year for the UK on the world’s stage, and the school deserves a gold medal of its own for all its outstanding commitment to a range of fantastic international work.’’

Students have also been busy putting together shoeboxes for the school’s annual appeal for Operation Christmas Child.

The shoeboxes, brimming with gifts, were blessed in a special service on Sunday before heading off on their journey to help children in some of the poorest parts of the world.