International honours for Frances Olive Anderson school

The school, which has links in Lebanon, has won the British Council-sponsored TES International Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into its classroom.

The school teaches pupils aged four to 11 and was awarded the badge of honour on the basis of its outstanding work in international education.

This is something 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.

International work carried out by the global-thinking primary school has seen links with schools in Beirut established and pupils working on various projects to put a human face to the headlines about the current refugee crisis.

Sarah Woolley, head teacher at Francis Olive Anderson school, commented: “I am truly delighted that we have won this important award.

“The evening was a fantastic celebration of everything that is great about teaching - every moment was filled with reminders about why our profession is one of the best in the world.

“Stewart Cook has led our International School work since 2012.

“It is truly amazing what has been achieved from this important and very special partnership we have with Mohammad Shamel State School in central Beirut in Lebanon.

“Mr Cook is now sharing his expertise with other schools in the locality interested in future twinning projects.

“It was humbling to see so many amazing schools receiving recognition for the great work that they do.

“Receiving this award - to say that we stand side by side with such dedicated, inspirational professionals - is a moment that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

Mark Herbert, the British Council’s head of schools Programmes, who presented the award at a ceremony in London, said: “Frances Olive Anderson school has consistently brought the world into its classrooms, by building strong and lasting connections with schools in Lebanon

“In order for our young people to understand the world around them, it is important that they don’t just learn about other cultures but learn alongside them as well as learn.

“Frances Olive Anderson school is certainly leading the way in this respect and sets an excellent example for other schools in how they too can become more globally engaged.

“We are delighted to be working with TES on this important work and delighted to be working with this inspirational primary school.

This is the fourth year the British Council has sponsored the International Award at the national TES Schools Awards.

Frances Olive Anderson school was one of eight nominations for the honour with other nominees coming from areas like Brighton, Wakefield and The Wirral.

For more information about international opportunities for schools, visit the British Council website at www.schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org