School building on its international status

World Class . . . Pupils show off the International School Award watched by headteacher Patricia Cornish.

SADDLEWORTH School is in line for a double for its work to bring the wider world into the classroom.

The specialist language college has already been presented with an International School Award by BBC newsreader George Alagiah at a ceremony in London.

Now it has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award by chairman of governors Councillor Brian Lord, who said: “It is a wonderful achievement and I am very proud of the pupils and staff.

“It is important that our pupils gain a greater understanding of the world in which they live to benefit not only themselves, but others.

“This is just part of the work the school does to help our students become well-rounded individuals.”

The International School Awards are in their 10th year and highlight schools which help pupils gain a greater understanding of the world.

They are managed by the British Council and are available to schools worldwide. As well as a strong emphasis on languages, including mandarin Chinese, Saddleworth promotes internationalism in all subjects.

Initiatives range from school trips, exchanges and links abroad to international menus in the school canteen.

Other local schools also benefit from Saddleworth’s work.

Head teacher Patricia Cornish is delighted with the Pride in Oldham nomination and said: “Global citizenship has never been as important as it is today.

“The need to learn languages, not just European languages, is crucial to the world we live in. It’s why we place such a strong emphasis on links with China and teaching Mandarin Chinese.

“It is not just the modern language department it impacts on. We make sure the funds we receive as a language college help develop innovative teaching in other departments, particularly if they have an international flavour.”