British Council award

Work to bring the world into the classroom has seen Louth Academy awarded intermediate level of the British Council’s prestigious International School Award.

It celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education

Principal Mr Hermiston was delighted with the award.

“It is recognition for the international dimension brought to the classroom benefitting students across the academy,” he said.

“We are pleased to work in partnership with the British Council, ensuring our young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.”

The partnership resulted in Louth Academy named as one of 50 UK schools to take part in a programme to strengthen cultural relationships with war-ravaged Ukraine.

The British Council funded a three-day trip by English teacher Ms Barker to Krakow to establish the link up with Luhyny Lyceum No. 2.

“Students have been reading the responses to the letters they sent to students last month.

“They learnt about their Ukrainian peers’ experiences, interests and culture, and reflected on how our partnership continues to strengthen our shared sense of belonging and identity,” said Mr Hermiston.

The Academy’s international work also saw a Year 9 class participating in the British Council Learning Sectors Programme.

They partnered with a school in India to collaborate on a STEM challenge focused on solving a real-world issue.

Their challenge was to develop a solution to help reduce light pollution in urban areas.

Students worked collaboratively to research and investigate the problem before designing, developing and testing a prototype solution.

Throughout the project, pupils shared their ideas, progress and final outcomes with their partner school through a series of collaborative Microsoft Teams meetings, enhancing their STEM knowledge while developing valuable communication, teamwork and global citizenship skills.

The class's innovative prototype—a self-adjusting, lotus-shaped streetlight dome shield—was awarded runner-up in the competition.

Shannon West, Head of UK Schools for the British Council, said: “Louth Academy’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.

“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 developing skills young people need to be globally aware citizens of the future.”

Louth Academy English teacher Ms Barker, with the Ukrainian flag, and Olga Vozniuk, a teacher at Luhyny Lyceum №2, during the three-day trip to Krakow, paid for by the British Council.

Class 9L1, with Ms Barker, who linked up with the Ukraine school.

A student participates in the international STEM challenge as part of the British Council initiative supported by Formula 1.