Thame school recognised for its international work

LORD Williams’s School in Thame has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its outstanding work with partner schools in Europe and in The Gambia.

‘England versus The Gambia’ football match played during a study visit to The Gambia last year, 2014.

On hearing the news, Headteacher, David Wybron, commented: “We have long established links with the Friedrich-Ebert Gymnasium in Bonn and the Lycée-collège Marcel Gambier in Lisieux. Student exchanges have been successful over many years. The School’s work with the Brikama Upper Basic School in The Gambia has led to some very innovative and creative curriculum links. On a broad front, and across many subject areas, students at Lord Williams’s School have many opportunities to engage in dynamic curriculum activities which promote global awareness and citizenship. This is vital work and I am delighted that our commitment to it has been recognised. I would like to thank Sherry Richardson, our Gambia Link Co-ordinator, for her drive and wonderful enthusiasm which led to us securing the award.”

He added: “Through a varied programme of activities designed to engage students in all year groups, Lord Williams’s international work enriches education by infusing global themes such as citizenship and collaboration across the whole curriculum.”

Much of Lord Williams’s international work stems from its link with Brikama Upper Basic School in The Gambia, a partnership which has developed since its inception in 2006. Teachers from The Gambia visit Lord Williams’s School annually to engage with staff and students and to participate in ‘Gambia Week’ activities. The Thame school has funded the building of an assembly hall and a perimeter wall at Brikama Upper Basic School, and computers and a broadband connection help maintain communication between the two schools.

In recent years teacher training workshops, led by Lord Williams’s staff, have been held at Brikama Upper Basic School and Lord Williams’s School is currently raising funds for the refurbishment and restocking of the library at Brikama Upper Basic School.

Next year, 2016 will mark the 10th anniversary of the partnership and both schools will be undertaking ceremonial activities to commemorate the occasion.

The British Council’s award is designed to foster in young people the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.