KES Int-Blog

One of the many facets of our curriculum enrichment is our international programme, which seeks to broaden pupils’ horizons through international activities. For this we have been awarded International School Status twice by the British Council.

This work includes a programmes of visits abroad, the study of different foreign languages, working with pupils in other countries and continents and a curriculum which encompasses a wide variety of multicultural activities to ensure that pupils gain the experience and confidence required in today’s global village. British industry is crying out for people who have experience of the cultures with whom we need to do business, and our aim is to ensure that KES pupils leave us equipped with these very special skills.

The international programme permeates all aspects of the curriculum and all departments offer an opportunity to explore the subject on a global level. For example in art and design pupils explore silk painting, mask making and Mehndi hands, gain an insight into world class artists such as Picasso. In English, they discover writing from other cultures, in RS they explore world religions and in music we have our own steel band.

Our pupils are very welcoming of pupils from abroad and enjoy the opportunity to have an impromptu game of football or come and taste different foods at international or food club.

In addition to cross curricular activities in school, we offer pupils the opportunity to go abroad every year on a residential trip. Currently we offer:

Year 7: Paris and Eurodisney

Year 8: Barcelona

Year 9: Rome

Years 7-9: Ardeche outdoor activity trip

In addition, we have a number of links with schools and organisations abroad, including France (see the report on our recent European Funded project with a school in Calais our french partners), South Africa and Goa. A number of our staff are keen travellers and bring with them experience of countries such as Japan, Thailand, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Italy and Finland. Pupils at KES have benefited from working on projects, participating in e-mail links and the exchange of photographs and letters.