Kilrea Primary School goes from strength to strength!

The International School Award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas.

Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.

John Rolfe from the British Council, said: “Many congratulations on your well deserved success in being accredited with the British Council International School Award.

“The school’s fantastic international work is not only giving the young people a better understanding of the world around them, but it’s really making a difference to their future prospects too. Employers are telling us that international skills are just as important as exam results – so everything the school is doing is vital preparation for life in a global society and work in a global economy. 2012 is a big year for the UK on the world’s stage, and the school deserves a gold medal of its own for all its outstanding commitment to a range of fantastic international work’’

In addition to their international work, the staff at Kilrea Primary School encourage the pupils to look after their environment and the school’s Eco-Council has won six Green Flags for their activities.

The school wildlife garden won first prize in the joint Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Moyle district council competition. Rachel Bain, who judged the award, was extremely impressed with the pupils’ hard work and endeavours to create a space which attracts a variety of wildlife. The prize was a visit from the Groundworks team who helped and advised the eco-committee on how best to develop the garden further.

The school is also very proud of their kitchen staff who won the Northern Ireland Schools Catering Association Award for the best school meals kitchen in the North Eastern Board. Mrs Margaret Gordon and Mrs Zandra Greer were invited to visit the Titanic building in Belfast to receive their trophy.

All of these achievements and more were recognised and complimented in a recent inspection which was extremely positive and encouraging. Mrs Karen Stinson, the school principal, welcomes visitors to the school at any time and would invite anyone interested to come along to the school craft fair which will be held on Saturday 27th October from 10am-2pm.