We heard of our success in gaining the full ISA in the Summer holidays 2014. We are accredited for 3 years from 1 September 2014 – 31 August 2017. The journey towards achieving the award actually began a long time before as international learning has been a big part of life at Helme for many years. The current staff are passionate about developing a global outlook for our children as well as promoting the notion that everyone can make a difference in the world. The decision to apply was taken during the summer term of 2013 as we recognised that the application process would provide a real focus for our international work.

• The Foundation Certificate • The Intermediate Certificate • Accreditation (the full award) There are 3 entry points at which to access the award, depending on the level that best suits the school. Following an audit of our international work in the summer term of 2013, it was clear that we had enough going on to be able to go straight for the top level of the full award.

• What can I see from my window? Application process part 1 – History of International work at Helme and Action Plan • What can I see from my window? • India • Rugby League World Cup • Uganda The first part of the application process involved submitting a history of international activity at Helme to date and developing an action plan of 7 different international activities that would take place during the academic year 2013-14. This had to be submitted by December 2013. As the international Coordinator, I planned all of the activities in collaboration with teaching staff. However, I couldn’t have completed the application without Nigel’s expert help and way with words! The activities had to include as many children as possible which was not a problem for us, as we knew that we wanted to involve the whole school. Talk about each activity as it appears – see application. • Virtual Commonwealth Games • Weather Around the World • La fête française

Carry out the 7 planned activities throughout the academic year. Application process part 2 Carry out the 7 planned activities throughout the academic year. Collect evidence including feedback from the children, staff and parents (from international partner schools as well as Helme) We received approval for our action plan in January 2014 which meant that we could get on with carrying out the activities.

Application process part 3 Impact evaluation – staff, children and community (Helme and international partner schools) The final part of the application, the impact evaluation had to be submitted by mid July 2014. This involved using the evidence and feedback gained throughout the year to evaluate the impact of the international work on staff, children and the community. Again I must thank Nigel for his support with the completion of the official document. Some of the highlights that stood out for me – Alison wanting to repeat the window activity with a different international partner, parent wanting to set up another link with Mauritius, HHS being involved in French week, children’s enthusiasm for it all – gives learning meaning.

Feedback from the British Council •It is very encouraging to see how your activity is completely cross-curricular and how you link them so appropriately to relevant global themes that you have incorporated very fluently into what is equally excellent work. •Your ability to embed internationalism into clearly defined areas of your curriculum in such an apparently effortless manner clearly demonstrates your commitment to introducing and maintaining excellent practice across the board. •Your whole cross-curricular approach to your work and the way you have introduced your activities and global themes are a testimony to the positive difference that engaging with the ISA has had on your curriculum and school ethos. •Your school is an excellent example of how to guide your international work through a clearly planned directed and delivered set of activities across a logical cross-curricular platform. The final part of the application, the impact evaluation had to be submitted by mid July 2014. This involved using the evidence and feedback gained throughout the year to evaluate the impact of the international work on staff, children and the community. Again I must thank Nigel for his support with the completion of the official document. Some of the highlights that stood out for me – Alison wanting to repeat the window activity with a different international partner, parent wanting to set up another link with Mauritius, HHS being involved in French week, children’s enthusiasm for it all – gives learning meaning.