DCSF International School Award
The DCSF ISA is an accreditation scheme for curriculum-based international work
in schools, open to all schools in the UK and free to enter.
'Their "International School Award" status...has had a very positive impact on developing pupils' awareness of the cultures of other countries, while still promoting an understanding of their own culture. Ofsted Report 2006
The award is a self-auditing framework for schools.
'The inspectors were interested to read about the award in my SEF, and asked me more about its impact on two occasions when they came. They specifically mentioned it at feedback. Heads may be interested to know that...all the assessment forms etc., formed very valuable data and helped me to show evidence of impact.' Headteacher, 2007
The DCSF ISA supports schools to develop the following:
- an international ethos embedded throughout the school
- a majority of pupils within the school impacted by and involved in international work
- collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools
- curriculum-based work across a range of subjects
- year-round international activity
- involvement of the wider community
- evaluation from a variety of sources allowing you to improve your activities and your international programme.
The DCSF ISA offers:
- a framework within which to form and develop international partnerships and achieve curriculum goals
- ideas for developing collaborative curriculum-based international work with partner schools
- recognition for teachers and their schools that instill a global dimension into the learning experience of all children and young people
- opportunities to raise the school's profile through local and national media coverage.
You can apply for the DCSF ISA online, access guidance documents, forms and case studies on the Global Gateway ISA Zone.
Published: 02 November 2007
