Northampton Academy has been awarded the prestigious International School Award Intermediate Certificate for being a “Vibrant School of Character”.
The award recognises schools for their commitment to promoting internationalism across their curriculum and in wider school life. Schools must show that they foster an international ethos and embed the values of diversity and collaboration in their culture. To have achieved the Intermediate Certificate level demonstrates just how far Northampton Academy has gone to embed this ethos within its school community.
In honouring the academy with this award, the British Council praised our recent cross-curricular ‘My Culture Day’, where students learnt about the importance of language diversity, migration and international cuisines. It also highlighted the important impact of students’ letter writing project with partner school Ole Polos Primary in Kenya, in building effective links between them and their global peers.
Northampton Academy is now working towards achieving the next stage of the award – the Accreditation level certificate – by further developing this international work with the support of the British Council.
Mr Anderson, Director of Character at Northampton Academy, said:
“We live in an increasingly globalised and mobile society and at Northampton Academy, we are proud to be a very diverse school with over 60 different languages spoken. Within the curriculum and beyond, we provide numerous opportunities for students to extend their knowledge of other countries, languages and cultures and celebrate our own identities and heritage.
“It is fantastic to be recognised by the British Council for our commitment to diversity and international awareness, which adds an extra dimension to students’ learning as part of what we see as an ‘Education with Character’.”
Allan Mutasa, Deputy Head Boy, said of achieving the International School Award:
“This award shows that the school cares about more than just academic results and we are trying to make an impact on not just the local area but the global community. As Deputy Head Boy I am proud to be part of the school because it embodies diversity within the community and rewards differences, rather than discourage them, as shown by our Cultural Celebration days.”