Hamsterley Primary School's global outlook wins British Council award

A TEESDALE school’s commitment to learning about the wider world has been honoured with a top accolade.
Hamsterley Primary School was awarded the British Council’s International School Award for bringing the rest of the world into their classrooms.
The school’s work includes sending and receiving letters to a French partner school, inviting Portuguese speakers into school to teach a language lesson to the pupils, looking at the rights of children in other countries and celebrating festivals such as Chinese New Year.
Headteacher Lynn Cowans said: “Through diverse activities and events staff inspire our children to develop their self-esteem, self-confidence, knowledge and tolerance of others. Our children understand they need to take responsibility and show initiative as global citizens.
“I am delighted that our school’s ethos and learning, supported by parents, governors and the community has been recognised with this international award and I would like to thank everyone involved.”
To celebrate their achievement, youngsters took part in a number of activities which coincided with European Day. The children learned about breads from across the world and baked them for each other to taste.
Teacher Jane Stephens said: “The children have each done their research into a European type of bread and then they have given a talk about what they have done. We try and have an international aspect in all subjects. It helps make them more culturally aware.”
The International School Award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education. The award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and Pakistan.