International Schools

We have been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of our work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. 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 for life work in today’s world.

Alongside following the National Curriculum, we recognise the importance of enhancing all aspects of Global Education. Through our involvement in the Erasmus+ Project Songs, Stories and Science from Marsh, Coast and Sea, we have developed deep and lasting partnerships with schools in Guadeloupe, including reciprocal visits from staff.

We are proud to be able to develop the international and cultural learning for all of our children as we celebrate and share what is unique and wonderful about our locality, whilst learning about and celebrating different cultures from around the world.

Connecting Classrooms

One of our classes has been lucky enough to develop a partnership with Billabong International High School in Thane, India. Before beginning the project, in order to get to know our partner school, children from both sides of the ocean completed a piece of writing about the view that they could see from their window. The children enjoyed comparing the view from the playground with the contrasting views from the children's homes in India.

The aim of the project was for children to both develop awareness of different cultures through creation of lasting relationships, in addition to developing their awareness of the Global Goals.

Linking with the term's Geography theme, children chose to focus on Goals 13 and 15, with a particular focus on deforestation, which they felt passionately about. Having researched some statistics about deforestation, children visited a local (sustainable) plantation in order to develop their awareness of what the effects of deforestation look like in real-life. After completing their visit, children wrote their own persuasive letters using everything they have learned and shared them with the partner school.

Shri Ram Global School Project

This competition was run by the Shri Ram Global School (Delhi), who we will be developing a further partnership with. The competition involved the children doing their own research to present highlights, sports news, weather, local news, etc within the space of 3 - 4 minutes. As the time was so short, the children had to decide amongst themselves which news should be included in addition to designing their own logo for their news channel and finding appropriate backgrounds. Their news broadcast was then filmed and hosted online.

I Get Inspired

As part of our work with the Shri Ram Global School, children in Year 5 have entered another competition based on who inspired them. Each child considered who inspires them and why, with many choosing their parents and people of diverse backgrounds that they have read about. The completed two completed video entries can be viewed here:

I Get Inspired 1 I Get Inspired 2

EMBRACE Project

In order to develop our pupil's understanding of different cultures around the world, children in Years 4, 5 and 6 have been participating in the EMBRACE project, which aims to 'encourage conversations about and exploration of different ideas around race and diversity'. As part of the programme, children have explored topics such as Black History Month and the science behind why we have different skin colours, as well as considering how we can make those who are different to us feel welcome.

International Centre D'Antibes

Some of our staff members enrolled at the International Centre D'antibes for a week on an intense French course. Not only did this develop their skills in delivering French lessons as part of our MFL curriculum, but it also allowed greater communication with our visitors from Guadeloupe (the main spoken language in Guadeloupe is French).

As part of this course, participants were given the opportunity to apply their French spoken language skills in a real-life context - out and about on the French Riviera. They also learned about the French education system and how best to support the teaching of a new language to pupils.

Following their return to school, their findings from France have resulted in shaping the way French is taught across Key Stage 2, provided better resources and have brought even more spoken language opportunities (including accurate pronunciation) into lessons.

French Language

All of our children in KS2 learn French. At Grimoldby, we feel passionately about developing not only children's knowledge of the language and of French culture, but we also strive for all of our children to develop a love of learning languages which will continue throughout their time in school. Children are encouraged to apply their learning creatively through songs, teaching others and into real-life contexts, where possible.

Erasmus+

We were delighted to partner with North Somercotes C of E Primary to work with two schools from Guadeloupe: EEPU Bragelogne, Baie Maihault and Ecole Elementaire Stephane Mathieu, Bananier. Our two-year partnership was centred on the exchange of good practices linked to the theme of Songs, Stories and Science from Marsh, Coast and Sea.

During this project, teachers from the Guadeloupe schools came to visit us and teachers from the UK schools visited Guadeloupe. This incredible experience gave pupils the opportunity to share and celebrate their learning without the North Atlantic Ocean being a barrier!

Throughout the project, children have produced various pieces of coastal art in the style of artists across the world, even working collaboration with a local artist to produce a large, 3D seal-pup!

Children have also done a lot of work on plastic pollution too, feeling so passionate about this issue that they have now created their own litter-picking club.

When the project came to a sad end in May 2021, children enjoyed sharing their own work, and hearing about the work of others via Zoom.

Indian Experience

We regularly welcome Sunita Patel into our school to teach the children first-hand about Hinduism and Indian culture today. She shares with children how she prays, teaches them exciting Bollywood style dances and helps them to create beautiful art work.

Sunita also tells inspiring and thought-provoking stories of Hinduism and showcases traditional Indian dress - providing children with the opportunity to try out various garments.

Our Global Projects

As part of the projects that children learn about throughout their time at Grimoldby, children learn about many other countries and their traditions.

Carnival

In Year 1, children learn about life in Brazil and take part in their own Carnival during their project Rio de Vida.

Chinese New Year

In Nursery, Reception and Year 3, children learn about the Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival) as it is the main Chinese festival of the year. During this period, children take part in a variety of themed activities - including trying new foods, exploring outfits and learning about the various animals.