British Council International School Award success for The Polygon School

The Polygon School in Southampton 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.

The Polygon’s international work includes; experiencing culture, language and adventure on a Ski trip, taking part in an excellent whole-school cross-curricular Theme Week, working on the Blue Influencer project as a valuable environmental and community project involving pupils in practical sustainability work, Wilding School Projects and culture work through art.

On hearing the news that The Polygon had received the award, Mr Patchell who co-ordinates the award, said:

"Gaining re-accreditation demonstrates we have a strong and sustained international ethos across the school, with activities involving a broad range of curriculum subjects, and work taking place throughout the year. The work undertaken by the whole school to embed and build an international ethos is clearly valuable and has had a positive impact on pupils and staff.  If any school in our area would like to know more about the award, please get in touch."

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 Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India, and Nigeria. Over 6,000 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 whole school approach to international work
• Collaborative curriculum-based work with international partner schools
• Year-round international activity
• Involvement of the wider community

Congratulations to everybody for the work they have done to achieve this award again!

For more information, please visit www.britishcouncil.org