International School Award Success
Boston Endeavour Academy has been awarded 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, helping young people develop the cultural understanding, respect and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.
At Boston Endeavour Academy, pupils have taken part in a range of international projects, including developing links with schools in Poland and India.
The school began its Polish link by exchanging Christmas cards, handmade gifts and traditional treats. Pupils particularly enjoyed receiving beautiful handmade glass Christmas baubles and learning about Christmas traditions in Poland. In return, Boston pupils created their own Christmas cards and sent traditional British treats, including mince pies and Christmas pudding.
The school then developed a link with a school in India. Pupils exchanged gifts and created videos giving each other tours of their schools, allowing children to see what everyday school life is like in another country. Pupils particularly enjoyed watching the Indian school’s annual singing and dancing performance and comparing their experiences.
The school has also linked its international work with the local community, including taking part in local events and decorating a Christmas tree for a local church.
Victoria Haw, Class Teacher, said:
“Seeing our students engage with real-world, tangible experiences has been incredibly rewarding. From exchanging handmade gifts and Christmas cards to seeing what life is like in a school in another country, these projects have brought international learning to life. It has also been fantastic to see staff across the school come together to ensure every class has been involved. This really is a whole-school achievement that we are incredibly proud of.”
The importance of this work is also reflected in feedback from parents. In a recent parent questionnaire, 91% said it was extremely or very important for students to learn about countries and cultures around the world, while 98% agreed that learning about different cultures helps students develop respect and understanding for others.
Parents also recognised the importance of learning about the local community, with 100% saying it was extremely or very important for students to learn about their local community in Boston and Lincolnshire.
Victoria Haw added: “It was lovely to see parents take the time to share their views, and to see how closely their responses reflected our own belief in the importance of both local and global learning.”
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, 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 in bringing the world into their classrooms. By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’
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 international partner schools
- Year-round international activity
- Involvement of the wider community
Boston Endeavour Academy is extremely proud to have achieved the highest level of the International School Award, recognising the commitment of pupils and staff across the whole school to developing international learning and understanding.
