We are proud to have been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of our work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

Dixie’s international work includes not only great opportunities for students to experience foreign cultures through travel to China, the World Challenge expedition and participation in its long-standing German Exchange, but also through genuine integration of a global dimension in its teaching across the curriculum. This includes the scientific study of how you could power a school in Africa, the effects of climate change on global food production and exploring world cuisine and music, for example. Of particular note for the school was also its ambassadorial role, where, as a Confucius Classroom centre of excellence, Dixie is able to offer free Mandarin lessons to local primary schools and to local businesses.

On hearing the news that Dixie had received the award, Mrs Katherine Craig, International Coordinator, said: “Putting this bid together offered me a real overview of what goes on across the entire school in terms of offering students a global dimension. I have been so impressed by how genuinely integrated the international is in so much of what we do and by staff desire to keep innovating. Particularly exciting are the new opportunities to liaise with overseas students on class projects, for example Design Technology students establishing partnerships with students in China.”

Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, said: ‘Dixie Grammar School’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award. The International School Award is a great chance for schools to demonstrate the important work they’re doing to bring the world into their classrooms. Embedding an international dimension in children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful lives and careers in an increasingly global economy.’

The award, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

  • An international ethos embedded throughout the school
  • A whole school approach to international work
  • Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools
  • Year-round international activity
  • Involvement of the wider community