We’re only six weeks into 2024 and already this Sunderland school has achieved something huge!
Thornhill Academy, a proud member of Consilium Academies, recently announced its accreditation with the prestigious International Schools Award.
This fantastic recognition emphasises the school’s dedication to building international awareness and understanding among its students. Well done to everyone involved; a brilliant step in a brilliant direction.
Exploring the communities international and culturally diverse backgrounds
The International School Award is run by the British Council and rewards schools that have demonstrated “a commitment to embedding international awareness and understanding within their school”.
It provides a framework for schools to develop international activities across the curriculum, including collaborative work with international partner schools, and opportunities to involve the wider community.
With a strong motivation rooted in its culturally diverse student population, Thornhill Academy's journey towards the International Schools Award was fate.
The student body is made up of pupils from over 25 different countries, and the academy aims to regularly celebrate and share these cultural identities. Many of the school’s students are new to the UK when they join, and are keen to share their experiences, differences, and common ground.
The accreditation symbolises Thornhill's commitment to exploring the international and culturally diverse backgrounds of its whole school community. We all know that there’s strength and beauty in diversity, so this absolutely should be celebrated within schools!
Hearing captivating stories from around the globe
In 2023, an incredibly successful initiative to celebrate cultural diversity - which was led by the students themselves – ignited an interest in applying for the International Schools Award foundation level.
A whole-school 'Culture Week' in the summer term.
Researching different countries, integrating culture and international connections into subject areas, and tasting different cuisines were all featured activities that allowed students to engage in the beauty of cultural diversity throughout Culture Week.
They even encouraged a vibrant cultural dress day, where students proudly showcased their traditional wear, reflecting their rich international heritage.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is a very impressive milestone for Thornhill Academy and we want to congratulate all staff and students for their efforts. This accreditation is certainly one to be proud of.”
Stories from around the globe
Sue Hamilton, Head Teacher, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: "The success of 'Culture Week' was evident in the positive feedback received from students, staff, and parents. It was a privilege to delve into their rich lived experiences and hear their captivating stories from around the globe.
“The week not only engaged students but also demonstrated the profound impact of international work on the entire school community, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.”
In feedback given to the academy on its application, the awards team at the British Council highlighted Culture Week and said: “This is a great example of how the effects of international work can influence the whole school, pupils and staff, and will no doubt have flowed homewards to parents and guardians as well.
“The various activities will have meant something special to the students, coming from widely diverse backgrounds.”
Thornhill Academy's commitment to internationalisation extends beyond its borders, too. A fine example of this is its recent partnership with High School for Girls in Hilteen, Iraq, to explore joint activities on climate change.
Following on from the success of last year’s event, the academy is currently planning its second Culture Week for the upcoming summer term and is working towards the next level of accreditation from International School Awards.
We truly look forward to hearing more stories from Culture Week!
Thornhill Academy is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner Programme, click here.
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