Taking the first steps
When schools are first beginning to forge international links, this may begin on quite a small scale through personal contacts of the staff at the school or through the Foreign Language Assistant. Many schools begin e-mail or penfriend links with classes abroad to enhance foreign language lessons. A relatively easy way of raising the profile of other countries is to participate in the European Day of Languages, which is celebrated  on 26th September each year. As this takes place so early in the academic year, it is wise to begin planning this in the summer term. CILT can offer support and materials to help schools to promote this day.

Many schools have a wide range of cultures and languages represented in their school population and choose to celebrate this fact by raising awareness through displays, special menus in the canteen and competitions. One school where this has been done is Quintin Kynaston School in London, where almost 80% of the students have English as an additional language.

Building links
It is important to have a real first-hand knowledge of other countries and cultures to successfully deliver an international education in schools. There are a number of ways in which staff in schools can begin this process.

The DfE Teachers’ International Development Programme (TIDP) every year offers 2500 teachers from England the opportunity to share ideas information and best practice with colleagues in other countries around the world including China, Australia, South Africa and the USA. Many teachers build their visit around a web-based project so that their home school can be involved.

The International Placement for Headteachers Programme (IPH), developed by the British Council and the National College for School Leadership, offers placements abroad for headteachers in England with at least three years’ experience and focuses on all aspects of leadership. 

Comenius offers funding for UK staff involved in schools and further education to attend INSET in any one of 30 participating countries. The scheme also allows teachers to job-shadow colleagues abroad. It is also possible for your school to apply for a Comenius assistant. These are intending and trainee teachers from across Europe and they enhance the European and cultural dimension across the curriculum, and offer classes in their native language.

Growing links
Many schools are already involved in projects managed by the British Council and other organisations funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for International Development (DFID). Programmes help with school improvement by integrating internationalism through partnerships and joint curriculum work. Hove Park School and The Bourne Community College have both participated in Comenius partnerships with schools abroad involving various curriculum areas.  For details about funding, best practice, resources and partnership finding, visit the DfE Global Gateway. 

Rewards for your school
As your school builds international links, you may wish to consider applying to be accredited with the DfE International School Award which recognises schools’ achievements in embedding the international dimension into their learning. Over time, the aim is that all schools should possess or be working towards the ISA and it is now listed on the opening section of the Self Evaluation Form (SEF) for schools in England as a “significant award” that counts as a “special feature of your school”.

Tips on gaining the International School Award
Appoint an international co-ordinator to audit current activity and draft an international policy for your school.

Look at curriculum activities. International activities should cover a good range of subjects. In the planning stage, you should provide some information about anticipated activities, as well as looking at anything which has been successful in the past. Look at case studies on the CILT website for ideas which other schools have used.
Consider all curriculum areas, not just obvious ones like MFL and Geography
Choose the correct category for your school. The Award has three categories:

Foundation – for schools that are just beginning to introduce internationalism and who can show evidence of a commitment to bring in some curriculum-based international activities.

Intermediate – for schools that are developing internationalism. They need to have evidence of at least three curriculum-based international activities, supported by a link with a partner school.

Full Award – For schools that can show a minimum of seven curriculum-based international activities supported by one or more strong partnerships with schools overseas. The international dimension should permeate the ethos of the school.