Over the summer of 2011, St Aubyn’s successfully renewed its International School Award accreditation. The award, granted by the British Council, provides recognition to schools for their work in adding an international dimension to their curriculum. Activities at St Aubyn’s ranged from the annual Yr 7 trip to Normandy, to International Food Week and the many joint activities with our Comenius partner schools. A whole-school focus on the Spanish painter Miro, culminating in an impressive exhibition of children’s work, was another aspect of our international work.
St. Aubyn's first gained the International School Award in 2008. It was presented by the BBC newscaster George Alagiah at a ceremony in central London attended by successful schools across the country.
Our portfolio of ‘international activities’ that we submitted to the British Council for the award ranged from teaching rounders to Czech pupils visiting our school, to assemblies and classwork based on Chinese New Year. A trip to Normandy where pupils made French bread and learned to abseil, listening to stories from around the world and performing African drumming were other highlights. It was difficult to decide what to leave out, but our Comenius project, where we were able to demonstrate genuine collaboration with partner schools in Europe, was a key element of our success.
Real interaction with the global community is the hallmark of the International School Award. At St. Aubyn’s we are pleased to be able to provide such opportunities for pupils.
Mrs Valerie James (International School Coordinator)