Biddenham International School and Sports College in Bedford 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 is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas. 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 to live and work as global citizens.
The British Council has just launched a new website – British Council Schools Online – as a ‘one stop shop’ to help schools find international opportunities, including the International School Award. Any school can find out how to apply by visiting http://www.britishcouncil.org/schoolsonline
John Rolfe from the British Council, said: “Many congratulations to all the schools across the UK who have been successful in gaining the International School Award. We’re very grateful to all the schools for their excellent commitment to the enriching, creative and innovative international dimensions of teaching and learning. Their inspirational work is vital preparation for all our young people, helping them to better understand their place in the world and supporting the development of their skills in an increasingly global economy.”
On hearing the news that Biddenham had received the Award, David Bailey, Head Teacher said: We pride ourselves on the fact that we have been recognised through this award as an International School now for a number of years reflecting our commitment to, and belief that, an international ethos is massively important in the 21st century global village. We have a student population in Biddenham that is diverse and unique and we have forged strong links with schools abroad that have enlivened and enriched the educational experience of students at Biddenham. We are pleased and proud to have been reaccredited with this award and look forward to strengthening this area of work at the Biddenham International School.
2011 has seen more than 800 schools receive International School Award accreditation. This includes a wide range of schools from a variety of different backgrounds and areas across the UK.
The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and Pakistan as part of the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms programme. Around 4000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.
The ISA encourages and supports schools to develop:
- An international ethos embedded throughout the school.
- A majority of pupils within the school impacted by and involved in international work.
- Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools.
- Curriculum-based work across a range of subjects.
- Year-round international activity.
- Involvement of the wider community.
The International School Award was awarded to Biddenham in September 2011.
To interview the school or for images, please contact Angela Willerton (International Coordinator) 01234 342521.
For more information about the International School Award, please contact Mark Moulding in the British Council Press Office on 020 7389 4889 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
