The following article comes from an interview with Caroline Anukem, EDI Lead at Beaconsfield High School.
Why is global education important to you and your school?
Global education aligns closely with our EDI ethos and BHS cultural pillars. It nurtures Respect by helping every student understand and value diverse perspectives, developing an environment where everyone feels recognised and included. It encourages us all to Be Open to New ideas, cultures, and traditions, developing curious, culturally intelligent thinkers who see diversity as a strength. For our school, global education is not just about knowledge; it is about shaping empathetic, confident citizens ready to engage meaningfully with the world.
How can/has the Global School Alliance benefited you as a teacher and the opportunities for your school?
The Global School Alliance has amplified our EDI work by providing opportunities to celebrate diversity in action. For teachers, it offers new approaches to embed international perspectives while modelling inclusive practice. For the school, the Alliance has expanded opportunities for students to Back Themselves—building confidence through cross-cultural projects, global collaborations, and student-led initiatives. It has also strengthened our ability to Spur Each Other On, connecting staff and students with international peers to share successes and support one another’s growth.
What benefits do you think this award will have on the whole school community?
This award is a visible recognition of our school’s commitment to inclusive, globally minded education. It reinforces our culture of Respect, acknowledging every member’s contribution to our international work. It also motivates our community to Be Open to New perspectives and experiences, celebrating diversity as a foundation of learning. Overall, it encourages a sense of collective pride and inspires both staff and students to continue building a supportive, courageous, and confident school community.
How will you use this award to motivate students and staff?
We will use this award to highlight the achievements of students and staff who embody our pillars, particularly those who Back Themselves through innovative international projects or courageous global initiatives. By sharing these stories, we aim to Spur Each Other On, encouraging the school community to celebrate success, support one another, and feel inspired to take the next steps in global learning.
What are your plans to develop your international work?
We plan to deepen our international work by creating more collaborative projects with partner schools and SHE(style her empowered) embedding global perspectives across all subjects. This aligns with Be Open to New, encouraging curiosity and cultural intelligence. We will continue to create opportunities for students to Back Themselves in international initiatives and for staff to innovate confidently. Our aim is to build a school community where everyone feels respected, inspired, and empowered to contribute to a globally connected world.
To learn more about the Global School Awards, visit: www.globalschoolalliance.com/global-school-awards.
