Marshland High School has been awarded the intermediate level of the British Council’s International School Award, which recognises exceptional work in boosting learning about other countries.

The school has linked with Navajeewan Educational Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal, as part of its project to help make students more globally aware. 

The international learning at Marshland High is part of a wider programme on connecting classrooms run by the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Each of its primary schools is linked to another in India, while secondary schools have partnered with different schools in Nepal.

Students who have been appointed international ambassadors for the Marshland High have met with the pupils in Nepal via Zoom, to share insights into school life, culture and agriculture. 

There has also been a recipe swap, with students at Marshland sending across typical UK foods, while the students in Kathmandu shared their favourite dishes.

Other activities included Year 9 students at Marshland High watching films showing life and culture in different countries and delivering a presentation about what they had learned. 

Assistant headteacher Mrs Whitehouse, who is overseeing the projects, said: "I am thrilled that Marshland students are having the opportunity to learn about life in different countries as they grow within our global community. 

“I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities they will engage with over the coming year.”

John Rolfe MBE, Schools outreach manager at the British Council, said: “Marshland High School’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.”

He added: “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.”

The British Council International School Award started in 1999 to recognise the schools leading the way in developing a global dimension in the learning experience of children and young people.

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

To achieve the accolade, schools must demonstrate an international ethos, develop collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools, have year-round international activity and involve the wider community.