Education, Wimborne | Posted on November 14th, 2024 | return to news
Wimborne school recognised for link with French schools
Allenbourn Middle School has been awarded by The British Council for its work to enhance students’ understanding of other countries.
Pupils at Allenbourn Middle School, who have become pen friends with their counterparts in France, have 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 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.
To their horror and amusement, they discovered that while the French have longer school holidays, the school day starts at 8am and ends at 5pm.
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.
This cultural identity project was taught through poetry, allowing pupils to become more aware of the complex issues regarding immigration and the struggles of refugees and asylum seekers and the prejudice they may face.
Pupils also explored the rich cultural world of bilingualism and the power of language and communication in addressing these issues.
The British Council said the award was testament to the “dedication and excellence” demonstrated by Allenbourn Middle School in pursuing international education.
The council praised the school community’s efforts in fostering global perspectives and promoting international understanding among students.
Modern foreign languages lead at Allenbourn Middle School, Carmen Diment, who put the school forward for the award, said: “All the pupils who took part in the pen-pal letter exchange were genuinely excited to receive a physical letter and were very keen to reply back using their language skills.
“Through the identity project, pupils became more empathetic to refugees’ and asylum seekers’ situations and acknowledged that racism and discrimination towards these groups of people must be eradicated and healed through education and kindness.
“To have our work recognised by this award is a great privilege and we will continue to engage our pupils in international affairs and culture through our rich and varied curriculum here at Allenbourn.”
Mark Legge, headteacher at Allenbourn Middle School, which is part of Initio Learning Trust, said: “We are very proud to receive this recognition from The British Council and I would like to thank all the staff and students whose commitment to fostering strong international relations has made this possible.
“At Allenbourn, we are passionate about the cultural development of our pupils, and it is fantastic to have our work in this area recognised by this award.”
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