The Global School Alliance has awarded the Bronze Award School to Kent College Pembury, an Independent School in Pembury, UK.

Katrina Handford, the Head of the school, has shared their plans for developing a Global Citizens programme and embedding global dimensions in the curriculum.

Why is global education important to you and your school?

 Our Methodist ethos of ‘doing all the good you can’ sits at the very heart of KC and ensures all students know their place in the world.  There is a family feel, which nurtures confidence and ensures every student can be the very best they can be, not only for themselves but for the community and the world around them.

How has the Global School Alliance benefited you as a teacher and the opportunities for your school?
The Global School Alliance is a very exciting opportunity for staff at KC to link with other professionals from all across the world to share ideas and good practice. Linking up with schools in other countries has never been easier and we’re really looking forward to working globally to prepare our students for very bright futures ahead. We already have a staff working party set up to focus on our Global Citizens programme and lots of ideas are in the pipeline already from this group. Now that we’re linked to schools across the globe, the projects will just grow and grow.

What benefits do you think this award will have on the whole school community?

Our mission is for KC to be known for its forward-thinking, creative and adventurous approach to life and learning.  The Global School Alliance will provide copious opportunities for our students to be actively engaged in solving world problems, whilst preparing for their own futures.

How will you use the Global School Award to motivate students and staff?

We are very proud to have secured the Bronze Award from the Global School Alliance and already have lots of exciting plans in place to work towards the Silver Award. Participating in the online projects not only allows the ideas of our staff to come to fruition on a global level, but also introduces opportunities for our students to engage in exciting and forward-looking global projects.

The Global School Alliance is a very exciting opportunity for staff at KC to link with other professionals from all across the world to share ideas and good practice.

Katrina HandfordHead at Kent College Pembury

What are your plans for the future to develop internationalism?

As Head, I have challenged every member of school staff to think about their teaching and their extra-curricular provision to ensure that we are future focussed in everything we do.  I know staff are already talking about connecting up with other schools in online projects, but we’re also looking forward to an international partner in the not to distant future.

Take our quick self-assessment to find out if your school qualifies for a Global School Award.