Internationalism in British boarding schools
Against a backdrop of headlines prophesying US isolationism, UK insularism and rising nationalism across Europe after some divisive political campaigns and results in 2016, we are happy to start this new year with proof that the communities within the British boarding schools we recommend retain their international focus.
All the schools we work with have a healthy mix of nationalities and cultures represented across both their student and teacher populations. One of them recently shared with us the good news that, in recognition of its outstanding work in international education, it has been reaccredited with the British Council International School Award. The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop an international ethos embedded throughout the school, with the majority of pupils within the school impacted by and involved in international work.
We have previously written about the Round Square family of schools, which celebrate cultural diversity and offer exchanges to and from such places as Australia, South America, South Africa and Europe. Felsted School is a member of that family and welcomes students of all nationalities as boarders and to its International Summer School.
Integrating international and UK students is an extremely important component of the School’s ethos, and is carried through to its academic conclusion with the International Baccalaureate Diploma offered in 6th Form.
John Rolfe, from the British Council, said: “Felsted’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned this prestigious award. Adding an international dimension to children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens, helping to prepare them for successful future careers in an increasingly global economy.”
Felsted Senior Headmaster, Chris Townsend, commented: “Felsted is proud to celebrate the international dimension of its education. We feel that the pupils are given a really good opportunity to learn about their place in the world, and prepare themselves for future careers which may well involve working in different countries, and with people from across the globe.”
We choose to start 2017 feeling optimistic that today’s pupils at boarding schools in England will help secure a more settled future in the longer term.
If you would welcome advice on the right British school for your child to develop into a global citizen, please do contact us.
Photo courtesy of Felsted School
