October 16, 2015 4.14 pm This story is over 106 months old

Lincoln school rewarded for forging links with overseas partners

International award: A Lincoln school has been recognised for its work in bringing the world into the classroom.

A Lincoln school has been recognised for its work in bringing the world into the classroom.

William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School in Welton has earned the British Council’s sought-after International School Award.

The prestigious award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as forging links with partner schools overseas.

William Farr School’s international work includes links with the Netherlands on Operation Manna project, a partnership with a school in Beijing and an environmental project with a school in Delhi.

Pupils also have Skype classes involving students in Jordan and Kazakhstan.

Carole Lymn, the school’s international co-ordinator said: “I am delighted the work of students and staff, in the international domain, has been acknowledged and recognised.

“The school places great emphasis on our students understanding the cultures of their fellow pupils across the world and we believe it is a crucial element of preparing them for life and career after education.”

The International School Award encourages schools to develop:

  • An international ethos embedded throughout the school
  • A majority of pupils within the school involved in international work
  • Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools
  • Year-round international activity
  • Involvement of the wider community

It is available worldwide in countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon and Pakistan as part of the Connecting Classrooms programme, which is delivered by the British Council and supported by the Department for International Development (DFID).

Around 5,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

British Council chief executive, Sir Ciarán Devane, 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.

“Adding an international dimension to children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful future careers in an increasingly global economy.”