Latest News Updates | Friday, 28th February

British Council International School Award Success

We are absolutely delighted to announce that our academy has been awarded the Foundation level of the prestigious British Council International School Award! This achievement is a testament to our dedication to embedding an international dimension within our curriculum and school ethos, and we couldn’t be prouder to share this success with you.

The International School Award recognises schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to international education, helping students develop the cultural understanding and skills required for success in our interconnected world. Through this award, we have been recognised for bringing the world into the classroom, broadening students’ horizons, and creating a truly global learning environment.

What Led to Our Success?

Our application for the International School Award was hailed as an excellent submission. The British Council praised our clear commitment and motivation to develop a global dimension in our curriculum and school ethos. The award panel recognised that we are not only using the International School Award to support our existing activities, but also to enrich and expand them, helping to foster awareness and understanding of other cultures and global issues.

We were particularly commended for presenting three exciting activities that involved the entire school, as well as the wider community. These activities showcased our commitment to promoting global awareness and developing the skills that our students need to become responsible global citizens.

Our International Work Highlights

1. Holocaust Memorial Activities: This powerful and moving initiative involved the whole school and spanned several months. Students began the programme with a trip to Auschwitz, followed by an interview with a Holocaust survivor. The whole school participated in an assembly where they watched videos and listened to audio clips about the atrocities of the Holocaust. Pupils learned how countries such as Hungary were also involved in these horrors and reflected on how we can learn from history to create a better future. This activity was a profound example of how history can shape our understanding of the present and guide us in shaping a more compassionate world.
   
2. Black History Month: This event was another highlight of our international programme, lasting several weeks and engaging the entire school. During Black History Month, students had the unique opportunity to hear first-hand from a visitor from Sierra Leone, who shared stories through music and dance. This experience challenged stereotypes, facilitated difficult conversations, and encouraged students to reflect on cultural diversity and the importance of understanding one another’s histories.
   
3. French Language and Culture Activity: For our Year 7 pupils, we organised an enriching language-based activity where students explored the culture, education systems, and school lives of various Francophone countries. Through this activity, students gained a deeper understanding of how different cultures approach education and developed an appreciation for the global community. Feedback from pupils showed that they found the experience highly engaging, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach in broadening their perspectives.
   

A Whole-School Approach to International Learning

The British Council commended us for presenting a whole-school approach to international education. These activities have not only enriched our curriculum but also involved the wider community, helping to create a school environment that celebrates global diversity and promotes cultural understanding. The dedication of our staff, students, and families in making these activities a success has been key to our achievement, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact they’ve had on our school.

Looking to the Future

Our success in earning the Foundation level of the International School Award is just the beginning. We are committed to continuing to embed an international ethos across our school, expanding our global partnerships, and creating more opportunities for our students to engage with international cultures and issues. Our goal is to continue building on this momentum and ultimately achieve the highest level of the International School Award in the future.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this journey, especially our students, staff, and the wider school community. Your support and engagement have been invaluable in helping us achieve this recognition. Together, we are ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and cultural understanding they need to succeed in today’s globalised world.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for being part of our exciting journey.

Miss Hull  |  Deputy Head of Petworth College

Extra Curricular Clubs

This week, we are highlighting the STEM Club, which takes place every Monday after school in S1B, led by Mr Bangard.

The club offers students a fantastic opportunity to explore how they can apply their knowledge and skills from Maths, Science, and Design Technology in practical and creative ways.

Mr. Bangard shares his enthusiasm for the club:

“If you’re interested in building spacecraft or designing a car using pasta and wagon wheels, this is the perfect place for you. You’ll be amazed by what you can create using standard household items and impress your friends with your innovative designs.”

All students are welcome to join and unleash their creativity through hands-on STEM projects!

This Week’s Assembly

Last week’s assembly focused on the well known phrase, ‘Knowledge is power.’ March is Women’s History Month which is an empowering, knowledge-sharing commemoration of the female experience. The month recognises the specific achievements and contributions of women throughout history. Students were reminded of the different waves of the feminist movement, charting the changes in society that saw improvements in civil rights for all. 

The theme for International Women’s Day 8th March 2025 is “Cracking the Code: Innovation for a Gender-Equal Future.”

Students were invited to think about the impact of women’s innovation that has benefited everyone. Reference to key figures such as Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie, Dr Gladys West and Kim Ng who have all overcome barriers to innovate.

• Innovation is not just about technology but it is connected to broader social change.

• The barriers women face in technology and innovation careers are real.
• Gender equality in these fields leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Teaching and Learning

In Module 3 our students were introduced to the LABex Student Charter. Each week in assembly students found out more about each stage of their lesson and how they benefit from this way of learning. During Tutor time, students then had an opportunity to engage in an activity to help them further understand how each stage of the learning process worked. This has had a positive impact on student engagement in lessons, evident in the increase in work completion and better quality of responses.

Top Performers on SPARX

We are pleased to celebrate and recognise our highest-performing students on the SPARX platform. 

These students have demonstrated outstanding dedication, effort, and consistency in their home  independent learning, showcasing their commitment to excellence in Mathematics or Science. 

Congratulations to all of them for their hard work and achievement! 

Their perseverance serves as an inspiration to their peers, and we encourage all students to continue engaging with SPARX to support their learning and progress. 

Cucina Ramadan Grab Bags

Please click here to read the letter from Bryan Lygate the Managing Director of Cucina, our Catering Partner, to read more information about Introducing Ramadan Grab Bags: Supporting Students During Ramadan.