ROYAL Wootton Bassett Academy has won recognition from the British Council for instilling an international outlook in its pupils.

Representatives from the school joined more than 200 others at the awards in the Houses of Parliament which highlighted those that embed a global outlook in their curriculum.

The British Council is funded by the Foreign Office and specialises in international cultural and educational opportunities.

One project behind the success was the Connecting Classrooms scheme to partner the academy with the New Dehli Public School, aiming to set up a student exchange in 2020.

Geography teacher Emma Stevens, who set up the scheme with Melissa Cassidy, told the Advertiser: “We have developed a new personal development day curriculum including an India day where students learnt about Indian cooking, dance and other cultural activities.

“There has been the introduction of human rights / children rights into the curriculum across all subjects. There was a celebration of refugee week last year in partnership with the local refugee charity the Harbour Project when students took part in a pop up shop, participated in tutor quizzes and met a refugee who now works with the charity.”

The school also organised a trip to Ghana in 2017 and will return with 25 students in 2019. It is fundraising to build a well for a school in the village of Elmina.

Emma said: “The benefits of having internationalism so embedded across the curriculum includes increased attendance particularly on whole school collapsed timetable days and increased staff participation on delivery of international themes.”

“All students have greater awareness of international themes such as the sustainable development goals and the worldwide implications of the UNICEF Rights of the Child.”

Head teacher George Croxford said: “We are delighted to receive the prestigious International School Award again. At Royal Wootton Bassett Academy we pride ourselves on producing health conscious, independent minded, global citizens who will give to society.

“This award is recognition of our whole school approach to international education and the enormous value that we put on developing the whole person. We are thrilled that this has been recognised by the British Council.”

Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the council said: “Royal Wootton Bassett Academy has brought the world into its classrooms, earning them the British Council International School Award.”

“Their pupils’ education is enriched with international activities that help children develop the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world.”