International Coordinator Kavita Sharma shares how global connections and collaborations have created meaningful learning opportunities across the whole school community

At North Halifax Grammar School, we believe global education is at the heart of preparing our students to be responsible, compassionate and informed citizens. In an increasingly interconnected world, our partnerships with schools in Japan, India and Peru give our students the chance to explore different perspectives, cultures and traditions while tackling shared challenges such as sustainability and climate change. Through the Sustainability Development Goals project, our young people not only deepen their understanding of global issues but also learn to collaborate across borders, developing empathy, respect and a real sense of responsibility for the planet they will inherit.

Our Journey with the Global School Alliance

Being part of the Global School Alliance has opened new doors for both staff and students. As a teacher, it has provided opportunities to connect with colleagues around the world, share best practice, and collaborate on meaningful projects that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Alliance has enabled us to build strong links with partner schools in Japan, India and Peru, enriching our curriculum with authentic, lived experiences and fostering intercultural dialogue. For our school community, this has created pathways for joint projects, virtual exchanges and a platform for students to see themselves as part of a wider global network of learners.

This award will be a source of pride and motivation for the entire North Halifax Grammar School community. It will highlight the value of our international work and the importance of learning that goes beyond local and national borders. For students, it will reinforce the message that their voices matter in shaping the future of the world, while for staff, it will validate the effort and creativity invested in developing global projects. Parents and the wider community will also benefit from seeing the school recognised as a leader in global education, inspiring greater engagement and support for our international initiatives.

This award will be a source of pride and motivation for the entire North Halifax Grammar School community.

We will use this award to celebrate and showcase the hard work of our students and staff in creating meaningful international connections. By recognising their contributions, the award will inspire others to get involved and view global education as an exciting opportunity rather than an additional task. We will share our successes through school assemblies, newsletters and events, encouraging students to take pride in their role as global citizens. For staff, it will serve as a reminder of the positive impact of their work, motivating them to continue developing innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching.

Expanding our Global Vision

Looking ahead, we plan to deepen our partnerships with schools in Japan, India and Peru by expanding the scope of our joint projects around the Sustainability Development Goals. We aim to establish more opportunities for student exchanges—both virtual and, where possible, physical—so that our young people can build lifelong connections across the globe. We also plan to integrate global themes more widely into our curriculum, ensuring that all students have the chance to engage with international perspectives. Additionally, we hope to involve parents, local organisations and the wider community in our global initiatives, making international education a truly whole-school and whole-community endeavour.

The Global School Awards recognises and celebrates schools that demonstrate a commitment to international education. Through this programme, schools are guided to develop international partnerships, enrich their curriculum, and prepare students for life as global citizens. To learn more, visit: www.globalschoolalliance.com/global-school-awards.