Allenbourn Middle School in Wimborne has been awarded with the International School Award Intermediate Certificate by The British Council.
To win this award, schools have to show evidence of at least three curriculum-based international activities that enhance students’ understanding of other countries, cultures and global issues.
Allenbourn, part of Initio Learning Trust, submitted two curriculum-based projects from the French department, in conjunction with its partner schools in Normandy, France, and one identity project from the English department.
Through the school’s links with schools in Normandy, Allenbourn pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 set up a pen-pal exchange with other young people in France, where they shared ideas and opinions on school life, the school day, subjects and sports.
In a second project, the students discussed the success of the Olympic Games in Paris earlier this year. French pupils shared letters about their Olympic heroes and Allenbourn students reciprocated.
The school is now preparing to welcome pupils from one of their partner schools in the spring term and to meet them in person.
The third project that Allenbourn submitted for the award was an identity project that provided students with stories about refugees and asylum seekers who come to the UK.
The British Council said the award was testament to the “dedication and excellence” demonstrated by Allenbourn Middle School in pursuing international education.