St Gregory’s Catholic College has once again been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its repeated success to bring the world into the classroom through its links with schools around the globe.
The International School Award recognises the remarkable efforts of the school to carry out exceptional work in international education, enabling young people to gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said:
“The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.
“The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work in bringing the world into their classrooms. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.”
Internationalism is embedded throughout St Gregory’s, providing opportunities for students to prepare themselves as global citizens, and to become more aware of social, economic and political issues that affect people worldwide.
The school has well established educational partnerships across many European countries as well as partner schools further afield in countries such as China, India and Japan. Each year St Gregory’s host many visiting students and teachers from schools around the world, offering insights into the English education system and the cultural richness of Bath.
In addition to hosting international guests, St Gregory’s also participates in the British Council’s Mandarin Excellence Programme. This intensive language and cultural programme empower students to gain fluency in Mandarin, a key global language. The programme is a popular language pathway for Year 7 students, who can visit China at the end of Year 9.
Headteacher, Melissa George, was honoured to collect the award at a special ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in January.
“St Gregory’s have now held this prestigious award since 2014, recognising the outstanding international dimension of our curriculum; a remarkable achievement. We are delighted to have strong relationships and global partnerships with schools around the world and we are always seeking ways to provide our students with opportunities and experiences to look outwards and learn about other languages, people and cultures.
“We were thrilled to be joined at the ceremony by Wera Hobbhouse, our local Member of Parliament, to help celebrate the award.
“Study visits abroad, coupled with language placements and overseas adventures, provide St Gregory’s students with life-changing experiences which they will remember as highlights of their time at school. This award is testimony to the team, who have all worked so hard to develop these partnerships and opportunities for our young people, creating a lasting legacy of internationalism at our school.”
