A PRIMARY school has received a prestigious award for bringing the world into the classroom.

Wanborough Primary School has been honoured with the British Council International School Award for its devotion to providing international education in the school.

Activities included teaching the children French, running a Europe-themed sports day and partnering with a school in the French village of St Cyr

Children from both schools have written to each other with year six pupils visiting the school last summer to discover more about life abroad.

Head teacher Andy Drury said teaching the children about the world around them was firmly embedded within the school culture.

“It’s something that has always been important to us. It’s a big world out there but it’s becoming smaller all the time and we want the children to have an understanding of different cultures and languages and be global citizens,” he said,

“We did Skype chats with schools in France which gave the children the chance to practice their language skills and I think they really enjoyed it. We also run after school clubs like a European cookery club which everyone enjoys.

“Teachers also went over to Poland to teach pupils country dancing and experience a different dimension in the classroom.”

For their two-year efforts the school was treated to a commemorative flag and plaque.

Andy said he was delighted with the school’s achievements.

“It’s a real honour to have been given this award which we have worked towards for the past two years. It’s thanks to the staff and children in the school. We’re looking forward to partnering with more schools in Europe in the future.

Around 5,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award rewards schools which have an international ethos, take part in international themed activities and work with partner schools in foreign countries

International development secretary Justine Greening praised the school’s efforts. She said:

“Young people must be at the heart of our work to create a safer and more prosperous world for everyone. That is why I am delighted to celebrate the international work of Wanborough Primary and the energy and passion of the young people involved.

“The International School Award is a great way of highlighting how young people have the potential to change things for the better. I'm sure that schools getting involved will be broadening the horizons of their students, which will not only help their careers but benefit their wider lives in the future.”