A DORCHESTER school has gained the British Council’s International School Award in recognition of its work bringing the world into the classroom.

The Thomas Hardye School earned the award which is seen as a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, includ-ing through links with partner schools overseas.

The main aim of the award is to foster an international dimen-sion in the curriculum so students gain the cultural under-standing and skills they need to live and work globally.

The school’s work includes ‘World in Dorset Day’ plus international themed lessons in most subject areas. Russian and Japanese enrichment lessons have been introduced in the sixth form and there are foreign language exchanges with six schools in Germany, Spain and France as well as links with schools in other countries. They are also starting an international book club for the local community.

Headteacher Mike Foley said: “This is a prestigious award and we are very proud that our extensive global links and our work promoting international studies have been recognised in this way.

“We are keen to prepare our young people for the future when international travel, study and work will play an increasingly important part in their lives.”

Among other things the award encourages and supports schools to develop an international ethos embedded throughout the school, year-round international activity and involvement in the wider community.

International co-ordinator Samantha Hunter said they were very happy to be recognised for the work.

She said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this accolade and it represents the hard work and ethos of the staff and school.”