CROWDYS Hill School has been awarded the British Council's prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom with its partner school David Livingstone High School, in Zambia.

The International School Award is a badge of honor for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas.

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 to live and work as global citizens.

Crowdys Hill School's international work focused on linking with the special needs unit in David Livingstone High School in Zambia.

The aim was to develop engaging activities for young people in both schools. Children at Crowdys Hill School have built solar panelled lighting units with help from the charity Lights for Learning and its founder Roger Mugridge.

The lighting units were installed in Kamwi School in Livingstone by a teachers from Crowdys Hill and Isambard school.

Crowdys students have also been involved in numerous activities across the curriculum - eating traditional Zambian food and learning about the culture heritage through geography and drama and art.

Teachers from the UK and Zambia have been engaged in reciprocal visits fostering a positive friendship. Swindon Town football in the Community Trust has also visited Zambia on a number of occasions and has just returned to the UK after delivering coaching projects and handing over charitable donations.

On hearing the news that Crowdys Hill had received the award, Mrs Margaret Clarke Headteacher said: "We value or international schools link with David Livingstone High School. Our children and staff have benefited immensely from learning about Zambia. Friendship and tolerance reflect the ethos and values that we encourage Crowdys Hill, and we hope to continue to promote our partnership in the future."

John Rolfe, from the British Council, said: "The 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.

"Adding an international dimension to children's education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful future careers in an increasingly global economy."

The award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and Pakistan as part of the British Council's Connecting Classrooms programme. Around 5,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.