North Cambridge Academy in Cambridge 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. 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 for life work in today’s world.
North Cambridge Academy’s international work includes an annual Cultures Day, trips to visit partner schools in France and Germany, a STEM project with Indian partner schools, Arabic taster sessions, as well as a range of language competitions and initiatives. These opportunities allow students to connect with peers in other countries, explore different cultures, and develop the confidence to see themselves as global citizens.
On hearing the news that North Cambridge Academyhad received the award, Jane Driver, Principal, said: “We are immensely proud to receive this award. At North Cambridge Academy, we believe that giving our students an international outlook is vital. It not only extends the boundaries of their learning but also equips them with the skills, empathy, and resilience needed to succeed in a diverse and global society. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, whose hard work has made this recognition possible.”
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. 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 utmost 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.”
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
This recognition comes as Principal Jane Driver has also recently been appointed as President Elect of the Association for Language Learning (ALL), the UK’s major subject association for those involved in the teaching of foreign languages at all levels.
Jane is known to many members of ALL as a longstanding volunteer, a former Council member, and a trustee of the Association. Bringing her experience as both a secondary school principal and a languages teacher working in diverse and disadvantaged school settings in Cambridge and Peterborough, Jane offers a valuable perspective to the national conversation on language education.
With this award and Jane’s new role, North Cambridge Academy stands as a leading example of how schools can inspire young people to understand and embrace the wider world.