The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in the field of international education, and so it is with great pride that Rushcliffe Spencer Academy received such a high reaccreditation this year.
Scott McDonald, chief executive of the British Council, said: “The school has won this prestigious award for its inspiring international work.”
Staff and students believe in the school’s core value “We care for our world” and this was acknowledged in the feedback given which highlighted how the Academy is “fully committed to integrating an international and global dimension to the curriculum and ethos of the school as a whole, to promoting global citizenship and an appreciation for cultural diversity”.
Rushcliffe understands that in an interdependent world, by building values, skills and human relationships on a global scale, we can ensure the success of all. This was perhaps more relevant than ever given the restrictions we faced in a global pandemic.
“We want Rushcliffe students to understand and contribute to our global community. I am delighted that we have been reaccredited as an international school. It is a reflection on the great work being done across the school and the many connections students have made with people and organizations around the world,” said Damian Painton, Principal.
The British Council highlighted how the “numerous partnerships with schools in other countries provide rich learning opportunities for students and teachers”, highlighting the many ways the school has sought out opportunities to ensure enriching global experiences.
Some of the things the school has done include Zoom conferences between staff and students discussing environmental issues, mental health, and controversial political issues with their peers in India, Tunisia, and Texas; be founding members of the Global Schools Alliance student council, which now has over 200 members, who have shared ideas and experiences with students from countries such as Cambodia, Turkey and the Philippines; and Mandarin learning with China and literacy projects with Tanzania.
Trudi Purnell, Head of Humanities and Global Learning Coordinator, led the re-accreditation process and is delighted with the award:
“There is so much more the school does beyond what has been mentioned, every faculty in the school has developed fantastic lessons, quizzes and assemblies related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals covering everything from sports for the disabled and the plight of refugees to gender equality and quality education for all.
“Our Esperanza Festival and internationally themed Sports Day magically closed our academic year, but not our commitment to build on the belief that we are creating students who, by being active participants, can change the world!”.