The DCSF International School Award is an accreditation scheme for international curriculum work which is open to schools in the UK. The scheme recognises good practice in the international dimension, and gives successful schools accreditation for three years. The Award is a great way of having your international activity recognised and celebrated. It is a solid framework for enriching the curriculum with an international ethos embedded across the school.

 ISA helps schools to develop the following

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school
• A majority of pupils within the school impacted by and involved in international work Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools
• Curriculum-based work across a range of subjects
• Year round international activity
• Involvement of the wider community
• Evaluation from a variety of sources allowing you to improve your activities and your international programme.

ISA offers

• A framework within which to form and develop international partnerships and achieve curriculum goals.

• Ideas for developing collaborative curriculum-based international work with partner schools.
• Recognition for teachers and their schools that instil a global dimension into the learning experience of all children and young people.

• Opportunities to raise the school's profile through local and national media coverage

The International School Award has 3 Categories

Foundation: Introducing Internationalism

This category is designed for schools that are just embarking on internationalism. Schools do not need a partner school to apply at this stage, but it must be clear that the school is intending to embed international work in the curriculum. Intermediate: Developing Internationalism

This category prepares schools for the International School Award and it is expected that schools will have made some progress towards planning collaborative activities with partner school’s from other countries. Schools are recognised for international work already undertaken. The International School Award

In this fully accredited category, the international dimension is embedded throughout the curriculum and an international ethos should pervade the school development plan, supported by a strong partnership with one or more schools overseas. Schools will plan and carry out international work over the full school year.

You do not have to complete each of the categories in turn, but can decide which category is right for you and go straight for that one.  

The International Development Unit actively supports and encourages schools to apply for this Award. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or queries about the ISA please get in touch.

For further information and support, please contact Emma Watson, emma.watson@kent.gov.uk tel:01622 694624. www.globalgateway.org/isa