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Our Global Journey: Working Towards the British Council International School Award - Intermediate Level
Our Global Journey: Working Towards the British Council International School Award - Intermediate Level
The Oaks is a proud holder of the British Council Foundation Level International School Award, and we are now working to achieve the prestigious Intermediate Level!
The Oaks is a proud holder of the British Council Foundation Level International School Award, and we are now working to achieve the prestigious Intermediate Level!
This accreditation recognises schools that are successfully embedding an international dimension into their curriculum. It ensures our pupils gain vital cultural understanding, language skills, and an awareness of global issues—preparing them for life in a connected world.
To achieve the Intermediate Level, we must demonstrate evidence of three curriculum-based international activities, with one being a collaborative project with a foreign partner, impacting at least half of our pupils
Here is the evidence of our recent international work:
Here’s an example letter the children received.
Here’s an example letter the children received.
Activity 1: Collaborative French Pen Pal Project
Activity 1: Collaborative French Pen Pal Project
This project provides our required collaborative activity with a foreign partner.
International Partner: Collège Alice Mosnier in Fortschwihr, France
Curriculum Focus: Modern Foreign Languages (French), English, geography, global citizenship.
Impact: All pupils in KS2.
What we did: We established a direct link with our French partner school, allowing students in Years 5 and 6 to exchange letters in both French and English. In year 3 and 4 we looked at what UKS2 had learned from our partner school in France. Pupils have the chance to compare and contrast everyday school life by sharing and analysing resources:
We examined French school timetables and the structure of their school day.
We looked at lunch menus from Collège Alice Mosnier to compare school meals.
Pupils discussed and compared favourite subjects and social aspects of school life.
We have described what we like to wear after school and at the weekend.
We have compared the weather.
We have written physical descriptions of ourselves, so our penpals know what we look like.
This project is a fantastic example of a sustained, cross-cultural exchange embedded in the curriculum.
Activity 2: Whole-School 'Around the World' Day
Activity 2: Whole-School 'Around the World' Day
This cross-curricular day significantly increased our pupils' knowledge of global geography and culture.
International Focus: Global Culture, Geography, Arts, and Traditional Games.
Curriculum Focus: Geography, Art, Music, PSHE, and PE (cross-curricular).
Impact: This was a whole-school event involving every child.
What we did: The whole school dedicated a day to international learning. Pupils visited three different 'countries' from a selection of eleven available (including Ghana, Italy, China, and Mexico). Teachers planned and delivered curriculum-linked activities for each country, for example:
Learning the traditional Ghanaian game Ampe.
Creating Chinese dragon crafts and Japanese origami.
Exploring the geography and culture of Iceland and Brazil through art and music. This successful, large-scale event ensures our entire school community gains awareness of diverse global cultures.
Activity 3: Immersive French Theatre Experience
Activity 3: Immersive French Theatre Experience
This activity promotes a love of languages and cultural engagement across the school.
International Focus: French language and culture through dramatic performance.
Curriculum Focus: Modern Foreign Languages (French) and Performing Arts.
Impact: All pupils in Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) were involved in these events.
What we did: We hosted a professional performance by the Onatti Theatre Company: 'Ticket pour l'Espace' and the recently viewed 'Shipwrecked en France'. Delivered in a combination of French and English, these shows provide:
An immersive and highly motivating experience for pupils.
Enhanced listening comprehension and exposure to French culture.
A fun way to embed language learning and inspire students to learn more French.
What our pupils said:
What our pupils said:
The children loved the experience! Here are a few reflections from our KS2 students:
The children loved the experience! Here are a few reflections from our KS2 students:
"I liked that I could understand the French words because of the actions they did!"
"The show was so funny—it's the best way to learn a language."
“They really made me want to learn more French, in case I'm ever shipwrecked in France!”
Working With The Oaks
Working With The Oaks
We are always seeking new opportunities to collaborate with schools abroad on exciting projects that share good practice and enhance pupil inclusion.
If you are a school interested in working with us, please email admin@theoaksprimary.co.uk FAO Miss Stearns.
To find out more about the British Council International School Award, visit their website:
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