A PRIMARY school has received the British Council’s International School Award in recognition of its efforts to educate pupils on world history.

Queen’s Park CE/URC Primary School received the award which celebrates schools who provide international education in its classrooms.

The school’s international curriculum includes video calls with Arise School in Tanzania, a ‘World of Books’ project, involving a book exchange with European schools, and a visit from Steve Jackson, a teacher from a school in Tasmania whose trip to St Helens attracted significant attention from locals.

St Helens Council Leader David Baines, Cllr Mancyia Uddin, and Jonathan Edwards, director of operations at St Helens Council, also paid a visit to discuss environmental issues.

Prestigious award

Carol Taylor, MFL and International lead, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have gained full accreditation in this prestigious award for the third time running.

"It is testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and passion for global learning from our staff, pupils and school community.

"We have been thrilled to work closely again with Cowley International College who have supported us with Mandarin lessons and links with our German partner school."

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Justine Kellett, the school's headmistress, also said: "We are immensely proud of gaining the International School's Award for the third time.

"The award not only demonstrates our commitment to international learning but also our commitment to ensuring our children learn deeply from and about different countries, languages and cultures.

"Opportunities are deeply embedded in our Crown Curriculum and working towards this award has given our children an array of exciting and interesting opportunities.

"Thanks to Mrs Taylor and her dedication to our school and our children."

Inspirational international work

Scott McDonald, chief executive of the British Council, added: "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 bringing the world into their classrooms. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic.

"The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with upmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.

"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 are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy."

More than 6000 awards have been presented to schools in the UK since its launch in 1999, with the award recognising schools’ approaches to educating their pupils on international history.

For further information on the British Council International School Award, visit http://www.britishcouncil.org.