Information on Loughborough

Bumper award haul for global links

Posted on 14/10/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

14 October 2009

Bumper award haul for global links

A record number of Leicestershire schools are celebrating after scooping a major award for their flourishing worldwide links.

A total of 15 have received the government's prestigious International School Award in recognition of their outstanding work with partner schools in countries such as China, India, Thailand, France and Italy.

Those involved have been working on joint projects to support learning in science, geography, sport, citizenship, creative arts and languages to promote global awareness.

Over half the schools in Leicestershire have international partnerships including 22 with China and 70 with France. Links are also being developed this year between groups of schools in Loughborough and Bangladesh, whilst others are setting up links with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

On Friday (16th October), staff and pupils will be taking part in a high-profile awards ceremony being held at The Brewery Conference Centre in London where awards will be given out by BBC presenter and reporter George Alagiah.

Maria Greenoff teaches at De Lisle Catholic Science College in Loughborough and is their International Links Coordinator. She said: "The international dimension is an important part of De Lisle’s curriculum. We think it is essential to give our young people perspectives of different cultures and allow them the opportunities to explore similarities and differences.

"We are very proud of our international links and activities and the ISA award is a celebration of the work that is being done in school. This year our young people have worked with students from China, France, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Namibia and USA."

Ivan Ould, County Council Cabinet Member for the Children and Young People's Service, said: "I'm delighted that so many schools have received this prestigious award and I'd like to send my congratulations to all involved.

"International links add a global dimension to pupils' learning experience and are helping Leicestershire's young people develop vital skills."

The 15 schools are listed below alongside their links:

  • Abington High School in Wigston (China, France, Uganda and India)
  • Barwell Church of England Junior School (France, New Zealand, Colombia and USA)
  • Belvoir High School in Bottesford (France, China, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Rwanda)
  • Castle Donington Community College (France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal,  Malaysia and Thailand)
  • De Lisle Catholic Science College in Loughborough (China, France, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Namibia and USA)
  • Holliers Walk Primary School in Hinckley (France, Slovakia, Germany,  Spain, Latvia and Peru)  
  • Limehurst High School in Loughborough (Bangladesh, Poland, Germany, France,  Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Zambia and Turkey)
  • Newtown Linford Primary School (France)
  • Redmoor High School in Hinckley (China and France)
  • Rendell Primary School in Loughborough (Bangladesh, France and India)
  • Saint Peter’s Catholic School in Hinckley (France)
  • Seagrave Village Primary School (China and France)
  • The Beauchamp College in Oadby (India, Germany, France and South Africa)
  • Thomas Estley Community College in Broughton Astley (France, Malaysia and Thailand)
  • William Bradford Community College in Earl Shilton (China,France, Germany, Rwanda and USA)

A total of $40,000 has also been secured from the European Union to build on existing links with Strasbourg. Leicestershire schools have been working in partnership with the region since 2006 and this money will be used to boost links with businesses.

King Edward VII College and Broom Leys Primary School, both in Coalville, will be heavily involved and will be working in partnership with Stephenson College and the Leicestershire Education Business Company.

www.leics.gov.uk/education