HAMSTERLEY Primary School was one of only 12 in the County Durham to receive an International Schools Award last week.
The award, made by the British Council, recognises schools that have demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of other countries, traditions and languages.
People at the ceremony, held at Durham Town Hall, heard how schools host pupil exchanges with countries across the world, including Spain, Finland, France, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.
Many also have partner schools in countries such as Kenya and Sri Lanka.
Pupils also enjoy regular chats on Skype, while teachers have taken part in exchanges to learn about different teaching methods.
Hamsterley’s pupils are in touch with a small rural village near Rouen, in France. But because they have limited internet, the children have been writing letters and sending photos instead of using the internet.
Hamsterley’s French teacher, June Stephens, said pupils had written about their school and their lives.
She added that it was particularly important for children from Hamsterley to learn about other cultures because the village is not “very cosmopolitan”.
Headteacher Lynn Cowens said: “We are delighted that our fostering and international ethos throughout the school and embedding it within the curriculum has been recognised. It is a lovely way to recognise the contribution of Mrs Stephens in supporting staff and the children to include international work as part of our curriculum and help embed it within our school’s culture.”
As part of the scheme, the school was visited by an international student who told them about his culture.
Mrs Cowens said: “On November 11 we had a very special visitor in Hamsterley, all the way from Russia. Oleg came to visit us for the week to teach the children all about life in Russia.
“We learned about Russian homes and traditions and what schools are like in Russia.”
Pupil Alfie said of the visit: “We listened to a Russian song and he brought us some chocolate.”
Brian Stobie, international officer at Durham County Council, said: “It’s so important children learn about different countries and have the skills and awareness they need for a career in a global workplace.
“It’s wonderful to see how committed County Durham schools are to achieving this and to providing opportunities for children to forge international friendships.”
