“Go and make followers of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach them to do all the things I have told you”- Matthew 28:16-20

At The Vine we are proud of our diverse community. With our ecumenical links and Christian values (Anglicism & Methodism being global Churches), being an international school runs through our curriculum. “The world is our Parish”. 

In our vision we try to foster a 'love of one another and a love of mankind'. We believe that by giving our pupils the opportunity to explore the world beyond Cambourne we are helping them to live that vision. By understanding  that differences are to be celebrated our pupils get a richer perspective of the world. Each year group studies the impact of the British Council's  global values on their own lives and those of others locally, nationally and internationally, both in the past and present times. 

 Check out the extraordinary links we are making with our international neighbours from all corners of the globe. Even at a time of  such worldwide uncertainty we are proud to be able to reach out and connect with others. 

The British Council International School Award

The Vine Inter-Church Primary School in Cambourne has been awarded the prestigious British Council’s International School Award in recognition of its work in bringing the world into the classroom. The International School Award celebrates schools for exceptional work in developing international education so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.

International learning is valued by all at The Vine; it is an integral part of our curriculum. We will continue to encourage and develop citizenship in preparation for life within the local, national and global communities.

On hearing the news that The Vine had received the International School Award, we felt delighted that our efforts to create an inclusive international curriculum had been recognized. Through our work with the British Council, the international focus of the school has grown tremendously and we look forward to embedding this further by growing and enhancing our links with schools in Spain and Poland.

Sir Ciarán Devane, CEO of the British Council, said: ‘The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned this prestigious award. The International School Award is a great chance for schools to demonstrate the important work they’re doing to bring the world into their classrooms. Embedding an international dimension in children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful lives and careers in an increasingly global economy.’

Parents and carers play an active role in enhancing and developing international learning at The Vine by sharing their cultures, beliefs and experiences with pupils in all year groups both in school time and as part of extra-curricular learning. For example, a group of parents is currently working with staff and pupils to provide dual language story sacks for use in the classrooms.

Our international learning has included in-depth studies on such themes as communities and diversity, fairtrade, migration and refugees, sustainability, WW1 and international aid projects. Every child and every member of staff from Pre-School through to Year 6 has been involved.

As part of The Vine’s international work pupils have communicated in a variety of ways with others from different countries with differing cultures, beliefs and languages. This has included building links with schools in Spain and Poland as well as a new partnership with a school in Seoul. Our partnership with Japan, started in 2009, continues with 30 students visiting each year providing a rewarding experience for all pupils with many opportunities to communicate and learn new skills.

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school
• A whole school approach to international work
• Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools
• Year-round international activity
• Involvement of the wider community.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

The award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Pakistan. Around 5,500 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

Visit from Knox Grammar School, Sydney, Australia.

"On our visit to the Vine, the first impression we had was the school’s highly effective and creative visual displays that promote the Christian values of the school. From the painted sentences of the school prayer across different rooms and corridors, to the displays of the cross and the vine in the reception area and notice boards that display the school values of the fruit of the Spirit, it was very clear that the Christian vision of the school is integral to the life of the school and is desired to be communicated to all who come.

This vision was then reinforced at assembly time during which prayers were written and led by students and where students were recognized and celebrated for living the values and vision of the school. They are promoted in the classroom through prayer spaces and codes of behaviour."

Full report below