High School celebrates international acclaim

Yvonne Magson, the school's director of the international dimension, received the certificate and glass trophy on behalf of the High from broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby in London last Wednesday.

John Rolfe, manager of the International School Award for the British Council, told her: "This is a great tribute to the fantastic commitment from all at your school with enabling the international dimension to be key part of your ethos and how your curriculum and overseas links work have celebrated teaching and learning in its truly international sense.

"You are the champion ambassadors for best practice in the international dimension and the Award is highlighted by the DfES as 'a major prize for excellence in this field."

"Good luck and best wishes with developing your excellent work and all your school and local community should take pride in your achievement."

The High has also been congratulated by Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education Bill Rimmell and Professor Mary Stiasny, director of education and training group at the British Council.

Bexhill High has been given the award for its fantastic range of international activity and links with schools in a wide range of countries around the world.

This week at the Observer's request Yvonne Magson gave an insight into the range of international studies undertaken at the High School in the 12 months to July:

*Visited Savkov (Austerlitz) in the Czech Republic study Battle of the Three Emperors

*Hosted visits to Bexhill High by foreign student groups, including students from Gisborne Secondary College, near Melbourne, Australia

*Arranged displays of books on International themes for World Book Day

*Held a whole-school quiz for Europe Day on May 9

*Supported the Love in a Box charity effort for the Mustard Seed Appeal

*Hosted a Chinese teacher for academic year specialising in language and culture

*Hosted a Japanese student for academic year specialising in language and culture

*Hosted two German boys for a term, following Year 11 timetables and joining the GCSE English

Ski trip to La Polsa, Italy

*Year 7 students visited Nausicaa National Sealife centre, Boulogne

*An exchange trip to Germany

*Themed days in the school restaurant

*Students took part in a space project the the Euro Space centre in Belgium with Czech counterparts - including space simulator

*Lessons in Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and French

*A visit by Icelandic girl band 'Nylon'

*Visit to German Christmas market

*Visit to Le Touquet

*German girls conducted their work experience at the school

The International School Award scheme is managed by the British Council and supported and funded by the DfES.