SETTLE College is celebrating after being recognised for its exceptional work in international education.

In recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom, the school has been awarded intermediate level of the British Council's International School Award.

Settle College’s international work saw it partnered with schools in Uganda during some very challenging times. Through determined effort and consistency there has been monthly meetings in which ideas and projects have been shared between the schools

The Settle students shared what a typical day for them looks like and took pictures of the area's green fields, while the students in Uganda shared clips of a day in their fields.

Ahead of COP26 Settle College shared 'Waves of Hope' with the world leaders as well as the cluster schools in Uganda, hoping to inspire each other.

One student said “It has been really uplifting. We shared a lot of activities. We mirrored each other's tree plantings and shared videos and photographs to bridge our differences and enhance the understanding that we live in an ever-shrinking world with far more connections than we might think.”

“When we planted trees for the Jubilee, our partners in Uganda planted Eucalyptus trees.”

The college's Roxana Popa, lead teacher of the project said: “Staff and students have worked really hard, and we are very proud of what we have achieved. We have built some fantastic links with our partner schools, which has left us humbled. Uganda has had to endure nearly two years of school closures, we are in awe of the commitment shown by Ugandan teachers.”

John Rolfe MBE, Schools Outreach Manager at the British Council, said: ‘Settle College’s international work has earned the school well-deserved recognition with the British Council International School Award - Intermediate Certificate.

"We are proud and delighted to work with this great school. Many thanks to everyone for all their commitment to developing international work and sharing excellent classroom practice and resources. This is enriching education for its pupils; and their excellent collaborative projects with partner schools overseas are bringing the world into their classrooms. International work is key support for the development of skills young people need to be the globally aware citizens of the future."

He added:"Embedding an international ethos across a school can lead to accreditation with our Full International School Award and schools looking to join this supporting and engaging global network should contact us at the British Council”.

The award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Around 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.