International Schools Learning

We are extremely proud that in 2023 we, once more, achieved the British Council's International Schools' Award, which recognises the very good work that we do in this area.

Through the inclusion of an international focus at St Mary’s School we offer our children a range of experiences that enhance their learning and raise awareness of their impact on others throughout the world. 

Why we take part in International Schools learning

• It raises awareness of international interdependencies.
• It builds value and respect for different cultures and beliefs.
• It develops an understanding of human rights and social justice issues.
• It helps children gain an understanding of sustainable development of the world’s resources.
• It supports our children's development into responsible global citizens of the future. 

The learning activities that children take part in

• Joining in a range of international learning projects gives pupils the opportunity to meet and build relationships with children from other countries.
• Developing their cultural capital by welcoming international visitors at the school and occasionally by visiting other countries.
• Practising their French language skills by speaking with native French speakers.
• Writing to pupils in our link schools to develop their written skills.
• Participating in multicultural art, dance and music through our arts curriculum.
• Studying different ways of worship from faiths and cultures around the world.
• Developing their geographical knowledge and skills by  studying the countries that we are partnered with, which brings the subject to life.
• Developing a love for learning by joining in special events such as International Week / Multicultural Arts Week.
• Building an understanding of the British Values by learning about the diversity of multicultural Britain through trips and links with other schools.

International learning is embedded throughout the curriculum at St. Mary's. We continue to strive to open the world up to the pupils, enhancing their global knowledge and teaching them new skills in the process. We have continued our strong links with our partner schools in Italy and Czechia and have worked with Kenyan schools as part of our close links with St. Mary's Church and the Chelmsford Diocese.