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MEDIA RELEASE
Issued: October 8, 2015
PICTURES
PIC 1 - Sixth Form volunteers with local children in South Africa CLICK HERE
PIC 2 - Spanish Exchange students exploring Madrid CLICK HERE
Davenant Foundation School awarded British Council International
School Award
Davenant Foundation School 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 young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.
Davenant’s international work includes a varied and far-reaching programme of events and learning experiences each year aimed at inspiring and challenging students’ curiosity whilst widening their perspectives of the world.
Davenant’s long-running Spanish and French exchanges give students the opportunity to spend time in major cities as well as hosting a student at home.
Davenant has established and cherished these partnerships which have allowed so many budding linguists to not only improve their command of Spanish and French languages but also to experience and benefit from being immersed in a different culture - many students forging life-long friendships.
In May this year 30 students and three teachers travelled to Madrid where they attended school and visited Toledo and Segovia while 20-plus students enjoyed a French exchange with the Collége Descartes in Paris.
Language Leader roles are offered to Year 9 top linguists with the opportunity of bringing a different dimension to learning a language.
Students improve their public speaking abilities, self-confidence and attainment in the language, as well as expanding their global vision of the world.
During the 2014-15 academic year the Language Leaders planned and delivered more than 15 lessons to pupils at Theydon Bois and Hereward primary schools.
They play an essential role in strengthening the links between language learning in primary and secondary school as well as representing and sharing Davenant’s international values.
Davenant Sixth Form students are offered work experience in Montpellier and Madrid.
Working with primary-aged school children in established Summer Camps, students develop key work and life skills necessary for the increasingly global workplace.
The school’s link with Northern Ireland, with Oakgrove Integrated College from Derry/Londonderry was formed after a meeting at the London 2012 Olympic Games Legacy Conference.
Since then there have been reciprocal visits from staff and students at both schools, most recently with students working collaboratively on the Get Set to Make a Change Programme supported by The British Olympic and Paralympic Associations.
In the classroom, taught units and cross-curricular learning weaves global perspectives and debate into topics such as world religions, ethics, world environmental issues and global citizenship.
Exploring students’ own cultural roots, lessons in African music and dance, international cooking recipes, artists and painters, technology and communication all facets of Davenant’s global learning commitment.
Davenant International is a student-led group which has looked at, and raised awareness of, a variety of global issues. Speakers have been invited into school, topical debates engaged in. and campaigns joined.
In South Africa, the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust (UK-based charity) welcomed a group of volunteer Sixth Form students during August who, following a short safari, spent three weeks teaching and decorating in a poor township school, where many of the children are HIV/AIDS orphans.
Hosted by families from a local private school, students were immersed into African life, culture and tradition.
Next July will see 150-plus talented singers and musicians travel to Hungary for a music tour, performing at concerts in historical venues, squares and cathedrals, to international audiences.
Davenant headteacher Chris Seward said: “The school makes a great effort to include the international dimension for all students.
“Some are able to experience it first hand through involvement in trips and overseas projects but we want all students to learn that they are part of an increasingly inter-dependent world.
“I would like particularly to thank our teacher, Mr Polo, who worked so hard to complete our submission for the award. He is now working in an international school in the Far East but we now a have a range of fantastic activities embedded in the school’s programme.â€
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.â€
The award is now 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).
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “Young people must be at the heart of our work to create a safer and more prosperous world for everyone and we need to ensure their voices are heard if we are to win the fight against global poverty. That is why I am delighted to celebrate the international work of Davenant Foundation School and the energy and passion of the young people involved.
“The International School Award is a great way of highlighting how young people have the potential to change things for the better. I’m sure schools getting involved will be broadening the horizons of their students, which will not only help their careers but benefit their wider lives in the future.â€
Around 5,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.
The International School Award 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.
PICTURES
PIC 1 - Sixth Form volunteers with local children in South Africa CLICK HERE
PIC 2 - Spanish Exchange students exploring Madrid CLICK HERE
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