International Work

We have recently offered pupils exciting opportunities to broaden their horizons through international travel, including trips to Iceland and Belfast. Looking ahead, we are planning another international visit to France by the end of the year, continuing our commitment to enriching learning beyond the classroom.

The Observatory School was awarded the British Council’s International School Award in September 2018 in recognition of our work to bring the world into the classroom. This award has since been re-accredited, reflecting our widening and sustained engagement in the International Schools Programme. In addition, we were proud to receive the prestigious TES Award in 2019 for our outstanding international work.

The International School Award is a badge of honour, recognising schools that demonstrate excellence in international education, including meaningful links with partner schools overseas. Developing an international dimension within the curriculum is central to the British Council’s work with schools, helping young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to thrive as global citizens.

Students today will grow up in an increasingly globalised world, where international collaboration and trade are part of everyday life. To prepare pupils for this future, it is vital that they are exposed to different cultures, countries and perspectives during their formative years. This belief underpins our strong commitment to international education.

We have undertaken a wide range of international projects, including an Erasmus exchange programme with partner schools in France, Spain, Italy, Finland and Turkey. Pupils across the school have had opportunities to visit their partner schools, take part in shared projects and build lasting friendships. These experiences have been hugely successful, creating valuable learning opportunities and memories that will stay with our pupils for a lifetime.